THIS Thursday (February 23) sees the launch of Ladies of Mann Business Network.
Run by Karen Hanly and Sarah Jewell, the organisation looks to focus on providing networking and business development opportunities for the island’s businesswomen and female professionals.
Karen is developing a Manx based network for businesswomen run by businesswomen. The network will provide opportunities for business development and cross-selling through its membership scheme which will include an exclusive membership card entitling members to many discounts with island based businesses.
She says the Ladies of Mann Business Network will, through its website, offer a focal point for sharing experiences, both good and bad, and through which support and advice will be available.
Sarah said: ‘The purpose of the Ladies of Mann Business Network is not about Karen and I making money as the modest membership fee will only cover the cost of running the network.
‘This is truly about giving opportunities to businesswomen to work together. I met Karen when I took the plunge into self-employment as I needed a large studio to really prove myself as a photographer and Karen had the perfect location at Salon Rouge.
‘I found the support available within Salon Rouge, where all ten ladies are self-employed, to be phenomenal and it is our aim to recreate that level of support across a much wider network in the island.’
The Ladies of Mann Business Network is open to both professional and self-employed women in the island. The first meeting takes place at 6pm on Thursday at Jar Bar, Loch Promenade, Douglas. Karen and Sarah are hoping that like-minded businesswomen and professional women will join them.
Full details can be found at www.ladiesofmann.im or by calling Karen on 460038.