WHO ARE WE?

The Bradford Women's Business Group is a network of like minded women who meet regularly to network and support each other in our work/business activities. Our group is informally structured with some of us taking an administrative role (see Members Page) in organising the meetings and events, which has proved a popular and winning approach. There is a strong sense of mutual support in our group which has evolved since our beginning over fifteen years ago and we are renowned for being friendly and welcoming.

OUR GOAL

We will provide opportunities for women who work in the district to keep up to date with issues concerning Bradford and its economy, form new business contacts and make friends. Our membership now stands at over 400 representing almost every profession ranging from the private and public sectors and social enterprises. There is an abundance of entrepreneurial spirit and many of our members are in 'non conventional' jobs, while others have changed career paths and are embarking on new ventures.

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE

At venues we are required to pay a nominal charge to cover the costs of refreshments.

Bradford Women's Business Group meets every month either during lunchtime or for an evening session. We get together at various venues around Bradford District for networking, a buffet meal and a guest presentation, speaker or tour. BWBG boasts a diverse range of subjects which it highlights for its meetings - often suggested by members, covering business, training, management and innovation issues; topical matters associated with Bradford; and fun leisure sessions for more 'girly' dos.

Examples of past meetings include:

• Birthday lunch and Presentation by Judith Donovan CBE
• Presentation 'The X Factor - Developing your Charisma'
• Guest Speaker Thelma De Leaw president of The Friends Bradford Cathedral
• Golf Evening Taster Session
• Credit Crunch Lunch - 'Promote your company, organisation or charity'
• Tour of Bradford Cathedral and insight into its history
• Tour of Bradford Cancer Support's new premises
• Presentation 'Dealing with Difficult People'
• Lunch and tour of Bombay Stores including a Sari demonstration
• Clarins Beauty Evening
• Belly Dancing
• Presentation 'Bringing Out the Best in People'
• Wine Tasting

We also attend the annual Christmas lunch at City Hall with the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

THE ORIGINAL BWBGers

Bradford Women's Business Group was founded in June 1995 and was the brainchild of three women: Heather Summers, Sue Coffey, and Maggie Fleming. All three had experience of starting, or involvement with, other women's networking groups, but nothing like BWBG existed at the time. The aims of the group were to provide:

• A networking forum for women with an interest in, and commitment to, the development of Bradford;
• A relaxing, friendly atmosphere in which women could come together to discuss issues which affected them in their careers, and in their personal lives.

At that time, most members worked for large organisations - within various companies, the law, banks, museums, hotels, the textile industry, education, training and local government. Many were considering whether to make a change in their working lives by becoming self employed.

After just one year the group had grown to 70 members, and after eight years to 200. Early topics for meetings included: Civil Litigation for Business; Information services for Business; Provision of Training; Marketing a Hotel; and Business Use of the Internet.

Article from the T and A dated 31st July 1996 showing some of the organizers of the group at our first birthday meeting held at City Training services, in Little Germany.

Maggie Fleming, one of the founder members.