Businesswomen in Rochdale treated to exhibition master class

Nighat Awan OBE

Businesswomen in Rochdale were treated to an exhibition master class at the meeting of the Rochdale Women's Enterprise Network (RWEN).

The training was designed to help them prepare for an International Women's Week celebration event next March at Rochdale Town Hall.

There, budding entrepreneurs will be able to showcase the wide range of goods and services produced by women in Rochdale. Armed with promotional tips and advice from marketing experts, the women exhibitors from RWEN will be joined by buyers from large companies who will be searching for smaller companies to become their suppliers.

Guest speaker at the exhibition will be Nighat Awan OBE, the highly successful entrepreneur and community figure, who has overcome a number of personal challenges and life-threatening illnesses to position the Shere Khan Group as a global brand in the food and restaurant business.

Barbara Davidson of Rochdale's Women's Enterprise Initiative said, "The network promotes self belief and independence amongst women by helping them to become entrepreneurs and set up their own businesses. This exhibition marks the achievement of those who have taken the plunge, and encourages and supports women who are thinking of setting up. It will be a hugely valuable opportunity to catch the eye of national and international companies."

Visitors will be able to buy an exciting range of goods that are made locally and access a variety of business support opportunities. The real benefit of the exhibition master class will be seen at competition time when we judge the best stand in the show."

The Rochdale Women's Enterprise Initiative is supported by Rochdale Council, Rochdale Borough Economic Partnership, The European Regional Development Fund, the Phoenix Fund, SRB5 Revitalising Inner Rochdale and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

If you are a Rochdale Borough businesswoman and would like to join the Women's Enterprise Network, or would like more information about the Exhibition contact Jane Glaysher-White on 01706 646471.