Inspirational Nina
I went to their Cambridge launch and it seems really interesting; it fills a much needed gap and provides training, support and advice, as well as networking events – all for free. This includes financial and legal help, tips for start-ups, writing business plans, accountancy and VAT, leadership development, marketing and press advice, all the important topics. And for free.
It is funded by the European Union Social Fund and EEDA and hopes to increase the number of women starting business, the current ratio is 1 in 8 or 9 compared to men.
It seems it is unique and many eyes will be monitoring its success. I imagine Ruth Kelly will be paying close attention. Tony Blair’s plans to improve gender inequality have been cautiously received by the group.
“Given that the government also announced the end of the Phoenix Development Fund just a couple of months ago, on which many support organisations depended, it remains to be seen just how committed the government is!”
There was a groan around me when it was mentioned they have invited Gordon Brown along to an event, the feeling being that he has caused so many financial headaches for local business.
We were treated to a couple of inspirational stories from local women and it was great to meet Nina Kristensen, of Ninja Theory – one of the brains behind a Playstation 3 new generation game called Heavenly Sword which has taken four years to produce and will be published by Sony next spring. She won a local Businesswoman of the Year Award for saving her company after the parent company went into administration.
It was certainly a great launch for me, I picked up a couple of potential leads for new clients in need of PR and they both have environemntal themes, a subject close to my heart. Let’s hope that Nina’s sparky determination rubs off on others too.
Update: 29th June: A thought provoking article in today’s Times by Camilla Cavendish about the dilemma of being a working mum.
Lets hope it works although the portents are not good. From a talk I went to it seems that women are always busy wether they are single/married children/childless.
It’s a damn good idea – and thanks to Gordon Brown we need all the enterprising people we can.
I always thought it was men who were too busy, anyhow. We always have an excuse for not doing something…