The Athena Network is premier network for business women who are passionate about unleashing their true potential and taking themselves and their business to the next level and beyond. With a strong focus on training and development, Athena encourages all women to show up in the world as the person they were born to be. It supports women through their challenges and the strategic connections deliver over 85% of the total business for many of the members. 

   Open networking from 12-12.30pm, then introduction to Athena, passing of business cards, short talk on business networking,
60-second introductions from everyone, lovely lunch, business speaker, ‘Let’s Talk Business’ – chance for anyone to recommend
a fellow networker they have used or ask for a meeting with someone they have met at the lunch, then final short talk and
open networking over coffee. The annual membership payment is £235.

   Call 07909 914815, or click

Maidenhead Business Girls (MBG) was set up on Facebook in 2013 and now has a following of over 1,300 local women who use it on
a daily basis to build their businesses and boost their confidence and connections. The main aim of the group is to empower women and offer them a local network that promotes inclusivity and collaboration. With meetings and referrals happening every day, goals are certainly being achieved. The supportive culture of the group means that practical advice and tips are being shared
in a friendly but professional environment.

   Whilst the majority of networking is done online, there are an increasing number of meet-ups and workshop sessions to further build relationships and a sense of belonging. As a result of the success of the group, founder Amanda Ayres has started ‘The Business Girls Network’. Other groups have been set up in more regions. There will be more opportunities for women to promote their businesses and get even more support due to the wider network growing and evolving on a daily basis. 

   Amanda says: “MBG was a spur-of-the-moment creation after
I spent ages looking for some PR help locally and came up with nothing but big agencies. Whilst I didn’t have any long-term objectives, visions or plans, it soon became apparent that there was a need for this kind of group and I have never looked back. Very quickly members were signing up and using it as a place to glean the day-to-day advice and support they needed and finding the connections they were missing. We held a big launch event on Maidenhead High Street and a Private Reception very recently, which were both attended by Rt Hon Theresa May MP. It was fantastic to have the support of one of the most influential women in business in our country!”

   Email info@thebusinessgirlsnetwork or click

The Women in Business Network is a membership organisation for women who wish to gain new business opportunities through word of mouth. Members support each other through collaboration and the sharing of business contacts and opportunities. WIBN operate a one profession per group policy
to ensure that each member is given the very best targeted help from the other members of their group.  The monthly meetings offer a supportive and business focused environment, with all meetings run to an agenda. They are held between 12 midday
and 2pm. 

   Email lorraine.pascoe@wibn.co.uk or click

The Thames Valley Business Women’s Group was formed in April 1989 for businesswomen in the Thames Valley to get together and share ideas and advice, make friends and learn new and innovative ways to expand and improve their businesses and business roles. 

   Today, they combine a relaxed, social evening with informative and inspirational speakers, and provide general networking to allow business women to meet new people and share business together. The group meets at Moor Hall in Cookham on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm. The next event is on 14th September 2015.

  Rosie Harding, Chair TVBWG, says: "The Thames Valley Business Women’s Group is a supportive and friendly group of women who are all interested in growing their own businesses. We're keen to work together to learn, support, share best practice and refer business within the group. We have some exciting speakers lined up for the coming months, with plenty of opportunities to network with other women business owners in the Thames Valley area." 
   Contact Rosie Harding at membership@tvbwg.com or 07910 924969. Or click 
 

Essential networking 

The kids are back to school so you may feel it's time for you
to get down to business too. If you're just starting out or have been running your own company for a while, here's all the info you need about six local women's networking groups
you simply HAVE to be a part of...