November 2006 - Network Evening

The newly extended Keystone Hall was the venue for the November meeting of Women in Business.  This month’s event was a Networking Evening which allowed members to showcase their businesses and promote the services they offer.  There were over 12 stands displaying a wide variety of businesses from Body Art painting to sea faring framed artworks.

The Networking Evening takes place twice a year and offers a great opportunity for a few members to also talk about their businesses in more detail.  Larraine Mitchell from Bliss is still fund raising for Andover Guide Dogs and is planning a special “fun raising” event on the 13th December, while Brenda Locke encouraged all members to enter the Test Valley Business Awards that were recently launched in the town at a function at The Lights.  Vera Hughes of Chester House Productions also announced the world premier of the play Lady Windermere to be staged at The Lights on Friday 24th November

The first member to showcase her business was Sue Risdale who runs Andover Nails.  Sue launched her business four years ago and has seen it go from strength to strength.  Prior to starting Andover Nails, Sue worked at the Andover Leisure Centre for 20 years as a swimming teacher, so she is well known in the local community.  She explained how many women spend a long time choosing a beautiful outfit and shoes for a special occasion, but sometimes forget the importance of having beautiful nails to match.  With over 200 nail varnishes, Sue can usually match nails to the colour of outfits and can add those finishing touches such as crystals and glitter.

Another popular service that Sue offers is Body Art.  This allows you to have a temporary tattoo which can provide the wow factor for that special evening and it can be easily removed when the event is over.

Larraine Mitchell from Bliss Beauty

Mandy Hobson from Cherished China

The second speaker was Mandy Hobson from Cherished China at The Fairground in Weyhill, Nr Andover.  Mandy set her business up over three
years ago and it has grown rapidly in that time.  She took this opportunity to promote her Christmas wares including unique hand-painted personalised plates, door plaques and mugs which can all be wrapped in beautiful hand made gift bags.  She also announced her new Loyalty Club for regular customers.  Being a member of the club offers a range of incentives such as free monthly visits and discounts on workshops.

Another exciting development for Cherished China is the launch of their new website in the New Year which will allow customers to purchase on line.

The final speaker was Larch Gauld.  Although better known for her website design skills, Larch has recently teamed up with Nikki Hollands to launch a brand new company called Bags To Die For.  Selling over the internet, the business started early in September, and within four weeks it went from a germ of an idea to a fully operating company receiving its first orders.  Advertising in the national press and taking every opportunity to announce the launch of the website has contributed to a fantastic start.  Offering fabulous handbags in soft Italian leather, sari bags and feather clutch bags, Larch urged everyone to visit the website at www.bagstodiefor.co.uk where members of Women in Business will received a 5% discount.