Maria Miller introduced the North Hampshire Women in Business Group (NHWIBG) to the Local Enterprise Partnership. The meeting was aimed at forging links between the two groups to help ensure Basingstoke Women in Business are central to future plans for the town.
Maria and The Women in Business group committee met with Enterprise M3 LEP Chair, Geoff French and LEP Executive Director Kathy Slack.
Maria commented “Enterprise M3 is a business-led Local Enterprise Partnership working towards securing economic growth for the area. The aims of the LEP are to create an environment in which business can flourish. The North Hampshire Women in Business group is aimed at supporting women in business and offering advice and support in an informal setting. “
“It seemed to make perfect sense to forge links between NHWIBG and the LEP as the common aim is for businesses to thrive and women have played a significant and successful part in the number of businesses in Basingstoke. It was very encouraging to see how aware the LEP were about the need for more women in the workplace here in the town and surrounding area. “
“The skill set of this committee is very diverse and demonstrates the wide range of talent here in the Basingstoke. More support is needed for women in terms of mentoring and flexible working if we are to see more women both in the workforce and re-entering the work force after a career break. I would encourage more women in business or thinking about starting their own business to contact the North Hampshire Women in Business Group.”