I was motivated to start the club to fill what I saw was a need in Lincs for a one stop shop for women in business – there are a number of networking groups, various agencies charged with developing women’s skills, some online support groups but all working independently. I thought it would be great to find a club that offered all that and more so when I could not find one I decided to take the plunge and start the club.
Who do you think will benefit?
Any women in business – from the stay at home mum who makes hand made jewellery from an converted garage to the solicitor who has just started her own practice – the common thread is women in business – so many of are issues are the same – family, children, time, work and all the separate roles we have to play – juggling them all on a daily basis.
Have you started a business before?I currently run an agency for post production editors which I started in 1991 in Covent Garden, Soho – TV being a strong industry background of mine and in the last 2o years have started and sold a number of businesses including a non-linear editing company, internet café and IT Training Company.
Why did you choose Lincs?
I live in Lincs, do business in Lincs and see this as my home so it was a natural choice.
How did you fund it?
Re-solution is funded completely by me personally – I am sure I could have obtained funding from somewhere! But I had very firm ideas on what the club would offer its members and my personal need to ensure value of money membership – and third party funding means you have to tick boxes that you may not really want to tick!
How long has it taken you to get off the ground?
It has taken 4 months of around the clock working, more meetings that you can shake a stick at, the total understanding of my two children and the complete support of friends and my partner.
How many members do you hope to attract?
Re-solution is scheduled to attract 100 full members in its first year and 500 women owned businesses taking up the free online directory listing. I have always encouraged caution in my clients when undertaking projections – understate sales and over state costs – so I am personally hoping to smash those projections!
Will you look to expand in other areas?
At this point Re-solution has launched in Boston, with Boston as it’s “base”. It is certainly the clubs aim to be Lincolnshire wide and the model for expansion will be one of working with members to attract “area” managers who will look after particular areas, organising and hosting networking events, seminars and workshops – as part of Re-solution but working on a freelance bases – the web site will become the “hub” of the business club.
What sort of events will you be holding?
Re-solution will offer a range of events and timings to ensure all women in business have the opportunity to attend – the web site will feature a full list of the events being held over the next six months – many are free to attend including some first class seminars and workshops. Re-solution has adopted “the butterfly hospice” as its charity and many of the social events will be fund raising events as well – we are hoping to have a quiz challenge league to get those competive juices flowing and raise some money for the club charity!
Social events – including “don on your frocks” evenings and taster sessions of sports you may have always wanted to try but never did: snowboarding, Climbing wall, canoeing, kayaking and dry sky slope to kick the sessions off – and many will be offered for mother and child.
How much will it cost to join?
For a company who have traded for over a year it costs £100.00 for the year, or £10.00 a month and those who are start ups in their first year are offered a concession rate of £60.00 a year or £5.00 a week a month – less than a loaf of bread each week!! Fabulous value for money I am sure you will agree!
Check out Jaqui's advise page on womans Zone
http://www.womanszone.co.uk/ or visit her website direct to find out more or become a member
http://www.re-solutionbusinessclub.co.uk/
Jacqui has worked in Television for 22 years years, 17 of those years with On the Case an agency for Post Production Editors, worked as a Post 16 Lecturer in 6 subjects since 2001 and has freelanced as a business consultant for over 8 years. Her roles in Television have included General Manager, Financial Director and Managing Director of well known Post Production Companies based in London’s Soho. She started her agency in 1991 and continues to run it to present day
