LEO WEXFORD WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORK

LOCAL Enterprise Office Wexford relaunched its Women in Business Network in November 2020 to support and empower female entrepreneurs as we navigate these uncertain times.

In line with Covid-19 public health protocols, this is an online network for now, with free Zoom meetings monthly and a dedicated Facebook Group.

“Supporting women in business is very important to us, especially now as Brexit and Covid-19 present so many challenges,” said Breege Cosgrave, senior enterprise development officer, with the Local Enterprise Office at Wexford County Council. “The Network aims to grow and support female entrepreneurship in Wexford. This is in line with one of Enterprise Ireland’s key objectives in its Action Plan for Women in Business.

“The Network – both online and the Facebook Group – is a community. The ethos is of a warm, welcoming, safe environment for women in business management, the professions, and the arts, whether employees, employers, or self-employed. The aim is to exchange advice and business opportunities. The motto of the Network is as relevant as ever: We’re stronger together!”

On March 25, the network will welcome jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman Durney, who built a business designing timeless heirloom jewellery from a hobby in her spare room to a multi-million-euro business selling to 67 countries around the world.

Previous speakers have included Bevin Mahon, CEO of Dental Tech Group, a family business she helped to grow from four to over 35 employees. Paula Fitzsimons, the driving force behind the ACORNS that supports early stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, addressed the group in January. Larissa Feeney, founder of the award-winning Accountant Online, spoke about her journey from sole practitioner in rural Donegal to a firm of Chartered and Certified Accountants serving over 1,800 clients across Ireland and the UK. Local leading light Mary B Walsh, managing director of Ire Wel Pallets Ltd, in Wells, Gorey, has also shared her insight with the network.

The free March Network meeting is on Zoom on Thursday, March 25, starting at 11.30am.

Bookings for the Network can be made on the LEO’s website: www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/.

Local Enterprise Office Wexford client Bláithín Ennis’s Jewellery was used for design Legend Paul Costello’s show at London Fashion Week recently. London Fashion Week has been one of Bláithín’s ambitions for many years, so who better to work with!

Paula Fitzsimons.

Larissa Feeney.

Mary B Walsh.

Bevin Mahon.