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Who is behind Women Into the Network?

Women Into the Network was originally hosted by Durham Business School at Durham University. The network, one of the leading business support organisations for women, has now developed into a self-sustaining entity for the benefit of the enterprising women of the North East and spin out regions. Women Into the Network (now WIN Ltd) has been able to operate with the help of European and regional funding and the generous support of local organisations who acknowledge the importance of mainstream and targeted women's business support. The project is currently directed by Dinah Bennett of Durham Business School, Durham University. Dinah and the team work in association with various colleagues and associates with extensive experience in the field of women's enterprise development. (See 'Meet the Women Into the Network Team' for more details)

Who can become a Women Into the Network member - is it aimed only at women in business?

Anyone can become a member - male or female. Women Into the Network is open to anybody who feels they can contribute or benefit from our services, be it the online directory of women in business or our mixed and women-only events. The emphasis, however, is clearly upon women (women owner-managers, partners or employees) or women who think they may like to know more about starting a business (but perhaps feel uncertain about what to do or how to do it). 'In business' in this sense is not strictly defined, and the existing membership already comprises enterprising women from all sectors, from corporate jobs and legal services to education, care and from other women's networks. Everyone is welcome.

To become a member, go to 'Register with WIN' or 'Contact Women Into the Network' for an application form. You can also call the head office on 0191 334 5502.

Why have women's networks and business awards for women?

Because we want to show that there ARE successful women in business. At the moment many entrepreneurs face barriers when they are starting a business and are not recognised when they succeed. We look forward to the day when we are outdone by our own success and there's no longer a need for Women Into the Network and the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (our highly rated business awards for women). But until we see equal numbers of men and women starting businesses and winning awards, there's a need for an organisation like Women Into the Network to promote our region's enterprising women.

Why do you arrange women-only events?

Although we have specific networking events for women, we don't alienate men. We do have male members - in fact many attend our events. However it is important is that we give women the choice to attend women-only events, which some prefer, especially when they are thinking of starting a business or are in the early stages and need targeted women's business support.

How do you cater for diverse groups of women - from those who are 'just thinking about starting a business' to successful women owner-managers with a wealth of experience?

We recognise that women are not a homogenous group. We divide our members into different categories and arrange events based on what stage of business development they are at and where they live. However, we know that women learn best by doing and from interacting with others who have experienced similar situations in the past.

Why do the business support and service sectors need to be educated?

Because women have told us they are sometimes not taken seriously when they approach their banks for business funding. To them their business is a lifeline. To some bankers they are 'hobby' entrepreneurs running 'lifestyle businesses'. Similarly business support organisations tell us they can't attract women to their courses. To them it's a great course. To the women they can't fit them in around their domestic responsibilities and the venue is inaccessible.

Do I have to become a member to access the Women Into the Network site?

Sections of the site are openly available to anyone. This means that anyone visiting the site will be able to read about Women Into the Network, associated news, articles, awards and specific networking events for women. However, only members will be supplied with a username and password, which will enable them to promote their business online and search for other women owner-managers by using the directory of women in business. Members also have the opportunity to submit promotional news, 'post' press releases, add details to the events calendar, seek out other business support organisations for women around the UK, and download publications and resources

What is the commitment?

There is no permanent commitment. You can register free of charge and you have the option to attend any mixed or women-only events you think suitable to you and your needs. (Women Into the Network members receive a discounted rate). You will receive regular emails and newsletters keeping you updated on news, events, business funding, media requests and exciting opportunities. Should you wish to unsubscribe, please email Women Into the Network and type 'Unsubscribe from Women Into the Network' in the subject box.

What are the membership costs of Women Into the Network?

Membership of Women Into the Network and the online service has been free of charge since its inception, with the help of various funding bodies, sponsorship and facilitation of Durham University. It has been decided, that in order to continue to deliver a high level of business support for women in the North East and beyond, and be able to offer increased opportunities, a small membership fee be introduced in the near future. All members will be contacted in advance of this change and offered a 9-month free trial period. Women Into the Network members then have the choice to continue as a member or leave the service.

What if I don't have direct access to a computer?

If you do not have direct access to a computer, you can visit any internet café, library or even some colleges, and access the Women Into the Network site from there.  Although regular emails are sent to members, newsletters, publications & news on business awards for women, are also sent to members via the postal service.

What if I live outside the North East of England?

Women Into the Network's prime focus is the North East of England. This was initially due to funding reasons and was how the project was originally piloted within Durham University. The majority of Women Into the Network activities are therefore held in the North East region.

However, we have members from all over the UK and overseas who benefit from our service and facilities. We help enterprising women expand their networks, keep them informed of relevant news, give them access to downloadable resources as well as our regular newsletters and role model publications.By establishing wider links we can create new opportunities outside of our geographical networks, and share our experiences. We welcome everyone to join WIN.

Women Into the Network have spun out to other areas of the UK including Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cambridgeshire in partnership with the Rural Women's Network, and to four different countries. You can find more details about these 'spin-outs' under 'Women Into the Network Partnerships'. You can also go to 'Business Support Links' to find a list of business support organisations for women, offering advice and support around the UK.

What if I decide I want to leave Women Into the Network?

If you wish to leave the service at any time, then please email Women Into the Network (type 'Unsubscribe from Women Into the Network' in the subject box) or call the head office on 0191 334 5502 and your details will be removed from the database.

Go to 'Register with WIN' to find out why you should join Women Into the Network.

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