Rural Success Stories

Would you like to be featured as one of our Rural Success Stories? if so please send us your story with a photograph to : heather@wireuk.org or to fill in our online form click here

Watch videos of Rural Women Entrepreneurs in action here

Countryside Connection Village alive with rural networking!

Oh, where to begin on the success of the Country Connection Village?

Countryside Connection was founded by WiRE Member Heléne Leichter-Saxby, a former Country Innkeeper, Artists' Representative and Author of Cooking Inn Style. It was born out of the desire to offer a new kind of networking. Making new contacts with other rural businesses, run by people who share your ideals; for local producers to supply local business and individual consumers and for local enterprise to benefit and strengthen the communities in which we live ~ our goals are the exactly the same as yours.

The countryside connection has been a great success and so many wonderful connections between members are being made..

German-British Chamber welcomes new Chair in the Midlands

Chris Everall of Integra Project Management Ltd has been made honorary Chair of the German British Chamber of Commerce in the Midlands – the first woman to take on the role in the region. read more...

Growing success for Staffordshire eco courses

Alton-based eco tourism company, Simply Staffordshire, have seen the green shoots of success as their new eco courses grow and grow. Designed to help people save money and enjoy some great health benefits,their “Grow Your Own Food” days and the “Green Housekeeping” workshops have been very popular, so much so that they are adding new dates throughout the spring and early summer. It's definitely not too late in the year to grow some produce. Overwintering fruit and veg can be planted up until September and and preparing for next spring often starts in the winter! Courses will be running throughout May and June and on into 2009. All details and dates are on the website – www.simplystaffordshire.co.uk
read more...

WiRE member’s rapid growth drives Associate Expansion

WiRE member, Elaine Clark, who started her on line accounting practice CheapAccounting.co.uk less than two years ago, is growing so fast that she is delighted to announce that Steve Kettle has joined the organisation.

read more...

Prestigious Honour for Annmarie Hanlon of Evonomie

Annmarie Hanlon, owner of marketing consultancy Evonomie based in Lichfield, Staffordshire has been awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. This is a prestigious honour with only 254 women in the UK and just 15 in the West Midlands holding the title.

York woman tops the polls in ‘X Factor for life coaches’

York-based Jules Wyman is currently leading the way in a national competition to find ‘Britain’s Next Top Coach’.

Jules, 36, who runs Positive Belief confidence coaching, is up against 57 other shortlisted coaches from around the UK.

Accelerate Associates - Two Years and Counting…..

After two years building a successful marketing business and after having two children, things haven’t been quiet for the partners of Accelerate Associates.

Philippa Bevan and Katherine Bourne founded their marketing agency, Accelerate Associates in April 2007 from Katherine’s home, a farmhouse based in Standon, near Eccleshall.

Birthday Celebrations for Delta K

Delta K is excited to celebrate the companies 2nd birthday! read more...

From strength to strength for Indigo Photography

: Photography has been my passion for over 12 years, since studying Visual Art for my degree. When I had my first son I decided to work part time and start concentrating on trying to build a business from my photography so I could do something flexible whilst realising my dream.

Country Living Spring Fair Success

Congratulations, there were only 6 stands available for WiRE members, we have a waiting list of 5 - WiRE members get a special rate but the stands do go quickly. If you are going along please do go and say hello.

Whats in a name? Saucy Mare's success

The company is called ‘Saucy Mare’. The name has been something that I have had in the back of my mind for a number of years whilst thinking up money making schemes, and, I have to say that the name ended up being quite relevant to the business that I eventually started.

Perhaps I should start with a by telling you a little about myself. Since leaving college with a Hons degree in International Agricultural and Equine Business Management, my life has revolved around horses - they were my life and nothing else mattered. I worked numerous part time jobs in order to pay for their upkeep and cover the costs involved in competing them. At that time I lived at home as this was the only way I could afford to live. Within a year though, my life completely changed. My parents had separated and with them went the secure home and the ability to follow my dreams. I didn’t know what to do; but I did know that I needed to get away and have a radical life change..

County’s leading fair trade store bucks gloomy High Street trend

Small retailers in Norfolk can maximise their chances of weathering the economic storm by concentrating on business ethics – that’s the message from the county’s biggest fair trade retailer, which is reporting strong sales growth in 2008.

Smoky Jo's to feature on The 'One Show'!

We run two small rural business in Cumbria. Our story is - that we downshifted form senior jobs in the public service 7 years ago to run a small smokehouse in Penrith (dropping our salary 85%). We knew nothing about the food business but managed to build the business up and in 3 years increased the turnover 350%, won 16 Great Taste Awards and were smoking food for Fortnum and Mason, Harvey Nics and smoking privately for the Prince of Wales. We sold the smokehouse in 2004.

Joanna Tong - Bright-i

Leaving a secure director’s job and setting up her own business Bright-ihas proved to be an exciting and rewarding journey for Joanna Tong. Despite her business being 9 months ‘young’, Joanna is commissioned by the Victoria and Albert museum to develop an innovative management programme for the senior staff. Joanna will facilitate a group of experienced managers to think and work differently in order to produce different results over a two-day course at the beginning of November. The objective is to raise the entrepreneurial spirit among the staff motivating them to identify the differentials from competitions and strong market opportunities.

NICKI B CHILDREN'S CLOTHES SHOP AT HIGH HEAD

A CUMBRIAN children's clothes designer has opened a new shop at High Head Sculpture Valley near Ivegill.

Nicola Bates, who studied a Masters Degree in fashion design at the prestigious Central St Martin's School of Art in London, says the location is perfect for her own artistic cottage industry.

"It's a work studio as well as a shop, and on a farm with art, tea, good food and wonderful views," says Nicola of Dalston, near Carlisle.

LiveLifeWell launch party a great success!

Thursday 10 July 2008 was a very special day for WIRE member- Annette Boden- Hypno-psychotherapist and counsellor, and Susi Henshall- personal and professional life coach. They came together to launch their new business partnership formed earlier in the year. read more...

Derbyshire Local Wins Girls! Make Your Mark Entrepreneur with a Conscience Award

LONDON: Monday 15th September, 2008: Local Derbyshire resident, Carry Somers was among five inspirational British women who were recognised for their entrepreneurial pursuits on Friday at a glamorous London luncheon at The Landmark Hotel as part of the inaugural Girls! Make Your Mark Awards, an initiative established by Make Your Mark [1] in association with handbag.com, to celebrate Britain’s female entrepreneurs and encourage more to turn their ideas into reality.

Sarah Walker - Mindcraft Training

After a career as a reporter and presenter for both Anglia Television, the BBC and the national newspapers Sarah, from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, has set up her own training consultancy MindCraft Training to guide people on how to deal with the press. She also runs workshops to help people who face the media practice their interview skills.

Colly Brook Fine Furnishings New Showroom

Well known in Hereford and Ludlow, Colly Brook Fine Furnishings has just

completed the move into its beautiful new showrooms and workshop in Eastham,

Tenbury Wells.

Jupiter Alpacas Launch

Did you realise that there were some babies from Peru born near Ellesmere, Shropshire last week? Well cute cuddly baby alpacas in fact! The Jupiter Alpaca herd has 10 new cuddly baby alpacas whose lovely soft warm fleeces range from stunning black to soft creamy white with luscious latte and ginger in between! Alpacas are smaller than llamas with lovely soft warm fleeces.

Sue Belcher - Aga & Fired Earth recruitment team

As someone who had associations with WiRE in the late 1990’s when it was first launched, I fully appreciate the abundance of skills, experience and talents which exists amongst WiRE members.

Ample Bosom Has Ample To Celebrate

The company fast approaches 10 years trading online and has overcome stock market and dotcom crashes in that time. With over 198 different bra sizes, catering for clients from all over the world and with a staggering 27,000 products to choose from, AmpleBosom is growing from strength to strength. read more...

Lucy Locket Art - A successful first year!

Lucy Locket Art celebrates her first year of trading with the launch of her stunning new nursery collection of PVC nappy wipe holders and tissue covers. With a modern twist on a classic style these are ideal for your handbag, nursery, bedroom or kitchen.

Hopes of Longtown

Anyone meeting Christine Hope for the first time is soon aware that her ready smile hides considerable drive and enthusiasm.

Winning Monkey Business

The Country Monkey has scooped the prize for Most Innovative Product of the Year in the Cotswold Life Food and Drink Awards 2008. The event was held at the Beaufort Polo Club, Westonbirt on the 21^st July.

Caroline Sargent now Deputy Editor of AGA Living magazine

After five years spent selling stories into the press through her successful

public relations business Feeder, the tables have turned for WiRE member

Caroline Sargent who has recently joined AGA Living magazine as deputy

editor.

Waggy Tails Dog Walking

We have owned dogs for some 30 years. It was when we were out walking our 3 English springer spaniels one day, and I had this sudden idea, "why not do this as a living"

I talked to my husband who is equally nutty about dogs, and he said that I should go ahead and do it, if it was really what I wanted.He said he would help me 100%.

HEIDI JACKSON - OLD HOMESTEAD

I was one of the founders of Bespoke Country Collection, and had been in the partnership for about 14 years

CHERINGTON HR

Five hundred local entrepreneurs, business professionals and industry leaders attended the lavish event at Eastnor Castle near Ledbury. Cherington HR had been short-listed as one of three finalists from a field of nearly 30 businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire for the Business Start-Up Award, the category for businesses that have been trading for less than 3 years.

Luvit Jewellery

Moving to the Yorkshire Dales in 2006, I had a wonderful opportunity to re-think my ‘work-life’. After a stressful ‘desk’ job, I knew I wanted to start my own unique, online fashion jewellery business,

One year on - Juliet Fay!

A year ago this month I took the plunge and officially started trading in my new business as a freelance copy writer, promoting and writing sales messages for businesses.

Utter Brilliance

I started up my business "Utter Brilliance" earlier this year and have already had several commissions to write bespoke special occasion verse. Last month, I not only wrote the Bridegroom's speech for his wedding, but also a Fairy Tale (in verse) detailing the couple's romantic history.

Izziwizzi Kids at Chris Cardell Entrepreneur Summit

I was called up on the stage to tell over 500 entrepreneurs about the success of Izziwizzi Kids and how I juggle the business with 3 children aged 4 and under with the youngest being only 5 months old.

WOMAN ON THE WEB

Jane Horwood relocated her Web Design business from London to Cambridge 4 years ago. Finding herself in a village was a bit of a culture shock but, determined to work with local businesses, she set up her own women’s networking group, Cambridge Women.Her recipe for success – damned hard work, tenacity and absolutely loving your job! read more...

WiRE Member Wins Top Industry Award (and is shortlisted for another!)

WiRE member, Lisa Kendrick’s company, Liquid Accounts, has won the award for Best Application of An Internet Technology at the Insider Yorkshire Digital Awards 2008. The online business software provider, which specialises in easy-to-use, jargon-free accounting software, has just celebrated its 3^rd birthday and beat 4 other shortlisted Yorkshire technology firms, including Yorkshire Building Society to the prize. Lisa’s company was also shortlisted in the Category for Best Digital Start-Up alongside 2 York-based technology companies. read more...

Stiletto golf group!

Career women across Warwickshire and the West & East Midlands are swapping their stilettos for golf shoes and teeing off to a new way of networking thanks to Warwickshire entrepreneur Helen Wilkes who took a leaf out of her male colleagues’ book after noticing the benefits of the contacts made through golf. read more...

Studio 61 wins an award: the start of a roller coaster of events

Studio 61 Gallery & Craft Shop at Lea was celebrating after being awarded The Peak District National Park Authority Environmental Quality Mark for its contribution to the conservation of the Peak District. However, celebrations were soon interrupted by a frost damaged burst pipe which flooded the gallery. This resulted in the studio being completely gutted and temporarily rehoused in alternative accommodation on site with only a small selection of stock; the rest in storage.

TULIP CLEANING SERVICES SIGNS UP TO JOBS DEAL

A ground-breaking new “jobs pledge” aimed at giving job opportunities for local people currently on benefits has been signed in Malvern by Jobcentre Plus and Tulip Cleaning Services.

Tulip Cleaning Services, based in Malvern, is the first employer in The Marches Jobcentre Plus district (covering Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire) to have signed a Local Employment Partnership (LEP). This is a commitment from the company to offer work trials, one-to-one mentoring and guaranteed job interviews for people who have been on benefits and are ready to work (as part of the Government’s ‘In Work, Better Off: next steps to full employment’ Green Paper).

Ashby mum is crowned East Midlands Business Woman of the Year.

Ashby mum Rachael Chambers (35) has just been crowned East Midlands Business Woman of the Year 2008 in the WOW (Women of Worth) awards organised by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) at the Women in Business conference held at Pride Park on Thursday 6th March. The awards celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurial, forward thinking women from accross the East Midlands who are an inspiration to others.

New-look Website Signals Confident Future

A social networking website that has helped hundreds of Midlanders improve

their social lives is set to relaunch and extend membership across the UK

after a major revamp.

Confident Life was established in 2005 with the aim of creating a vibrant on

and offline community for people who wanted more choice about how they made

and built new friendships.

Countryside Connection – An Extended Rural Community

My own personal England / New England Countryside Connection traces back to the year 1978 when I settled with friends in rural Dorset to compile my research for the British portion of my book, Cooking Inn Style: A Collection of Country Inn Recipes from England, Ireland, Wales and New England. I was born in Connecticut and am fortunate to have travelled extensively. From my first visit to England I knew that I had truly come home. As often happens, life intervenes and carefully constructed plans are altered. In Dorset, I met my husband Alan, an Englishman who had dreamed of living and working in America. read more...

THE GAME OF LIFE – Positive life coaching for businesses and private individuals.

I’ve worked with many women to set and achieve goals from growing their existing business, finding romance, losing weight or simply creating a better work/life balance. I truly believe that the more people who are aware of what they want in life and who follow their passion - the better for us all!

My biggest revelation of my journey so far is that, to make changes to the outward pictures of your life – YOU need to change from within!

No one has ever said living the life of your dreams is easy. It takes drive and determination, persistence and patience, faith and trust in the wonderful power within but most importantly ACTION. The greatest risk however, comes from doing nothing at all. Life is for living not enduring!

Tara Dennis - Seeds of Success

After leaving her fashion industry job Tara Dennis had the "Seed" of an idea read more...

Max & Milly Superior Dog Products

My company, Max & Milly, is in its first year of trading and I joined WiRE on the recommendation of a couple of friends who are already members.

And God Created Woman...

And God Created Woman is a luxury label of bedroom interiors and accessories for lovers - the brainchild of WiRE member Nerys Hebdon

Seek it Out!

Being small does not restrict the reach of Seek It Out - the affordable and fair online directory especially designed to showcase small and rural businesses from across the UK. We offer our members a marketing tool that is not only affordable, long lasting, and flexible, but exposes businesses to the widest market place possible.

Working Lunch with Liz Beaty

An attention to detail and staff training put Liz Beaty on the back on buses! read more...

Squashed Tomato

A recipe for success... Squashed Tomato sells luxury greeting cards in support of charity. The premium cards are offered online, in easy to choose, £10 selections; up to 15% of proceeds are given to charity. read more...

Nadine Hill Dream PA

Nadine Hill wanted to work from home and with her skills thought she’d be a good VA (Virtual Assistant) so she started to market my abilities and take on clients. read more...

Rachel Mooney at Moor Heaven

Rachael Mooney, 32, created Moor Heaven at the end of 2006 after the birth of her first child Jack in 2005. This ‘green’ website supports local cottage industries read more...

The Blueberry Patch

I’ve been running mine for just over 4 years and my New Years resolution for 2007 is to ‘shout’ about my business. I thought I would start with WiRE and see where that leads me! read more...

Gee Gee Images

Chloe Giles has always had a real passion for horses. "I've been riding since I was five" she says,"and I trained and broke in my own horse as a teenager". She also rode competitively at a local level, doing dressage, cross-country and endurance riding. read more...

Mango Mutt

Sarah's belief and mantra, is to ' learn from the past, plan for the future, and if you believe in yourself, anything is possible!' Read all about Sarah Manby and Murphy the Dog's business successes read more...

Well Rooted with Frances De Bosdari

I WANTED TO FEEL THE EARTH BELOW MY FEET "Well rooted over 50 years" the advertisement read. This looks interesting I said to my husband Julian over the breakfast table one morning. read more...

Helen Wilkinson

Helen Wilkinson offers editorial services to businesses, and combine her own career as an author with running creative writing courses for individuals from my home in rural Shropshire, read more...

Health and Well-Being at www.kanikernaturalhealth.co.uk

WiRE Member Rebecca Alliker from www.kanikernaturalhealth.co.uk tells her inspiring story. Seven years ago, when I was suffering from the sudden onset of severe and very irritating eczema, I would never have thought that I would now be opening my own natural health centre in Blythe Bridge, Stoke... read more...

On the Road with Gofarmer.com

It's raining, It's cold, we must be on the Agricultural Show circuit - AGAIN. Read a personal account of WiRE Member Rachel Gawith's experiences at The Royal Highland Show read more...

www.virtualbusinessassistant.co.uk

From "top of the class" to "top achiever" with Christine Dixon at Virtual Business Assistant read more...

The Littlecote Soap Co.

Elaine Stavert The Littlecote Soap Co. Beautifully packaged Handmade Soaps, Toiletries, Wedding Favours and Gifts from the English countryside capturing "the essence of England". We use the finest quality handpicked herbs and our own aromatherapy blends in our Award Winning products which are popular with many who suffer from Eczema and Psoriasis. As featured on ITV News Central & The Sunday Express read more...

LilyJo Designs

Rachelle Roberts gave up primary teaching to make my hobby of painting a career. “I registered as a small business in September 2005 and held an open studios exhibition at home, I sold 17 paintings and took 4 commissions.” read more...

Going Potty

Going Potty an "Arty Crafty" business is run from Jules Greaves home halfway up a Cornish hillside. From a converted apple barn she runs an arty crafty workshops for children and adults read more...

Bedecked!

Judith Lewis from www.BEDECKED.co.uk wanted to share her rural success with us. Years ago when I was a fashion student, I had found it very difficult to buy trimmings that were exciting enough to transform ordinary items into something special. The germ of the idea took root then, and it is great to be able to turn it into a reality. read more...

“I have attended some WiRE workshops and there is always a new idea or thought which gets the creative juices flowing. As an artist, being creative is what the game is all about after all. WiRE has answered the question, " Is there anybody out there?” Daisy Barnes - Watercolours and Prints

WiRE - Women in Rural Enterprise

Rural Success Stories

Countryside Connection Village alive with rural networking!

German-British Chamber welcomes new Chair in the Midlands

Growing success for Staffordshire eco courses

WiRE member’s rapid growth drives Associate Expansion

Prestigious Honour for Annmarie Hanlon of Evonomie

York woman tops the polls in ‘X Factor for life coaches’

Accelerate Associates - Two Years and Counting…..

Birthday Celebrations for Delta K

From strength to strength for Indigo Photography

Country Living Spring Fair Success

Whats in a name? Saucy Mare's success

County’s leading fair trade store bucks gloomy High Street trend

Smoky Jo's to feature on The 'One Show'!

Joanna Tong - Bright-i

NICKI B CHILDREN'S CLOTHES SHOP AT HIGH HEAD

LiveLifeWell launch party a great success!

Derbyshire Local Wins Girls! Make Your Mark Entrepreneur with a Conscience Award

Sarah Walker - Mindcraft Training

Colly Brook Fine Furnishings New Showroom

Jupiter Alpacas Launch

Sue Belcher - Aga & Fired Earth recruitment team

Ample Bosom Has Ample To Celebrate

Lucy Locket Art - A successful first year!

Hopes of Longtown

Winning Monkey Business

Caroline Sargent now Deputy Editor of AGA Living magazine

Waggy Tails Dog Walking

We have owned dogs for some 30 years. It was when we were out walking our 3 English springer spaniels one day, and I had this sudden idea, "why not do this as a living"

I talked to my husband who is equally nutty about dogs, and he said that I should go ahead and do it, if it was really what I wanted.He said he would help me 100%.

HEIDI JACKSON - OLD HOMESTEAD

I was one of the founders of Bespoke Country Collection, and had been in the partnership for about 14 years

CHERINGTON HR

Luvit Jewellery

Moving to the Yorkshire Dales in 2006, I had a wonderful opportunity to re-think my ‘work-life’. After a stressful ‘desk’ job, I knew I wanted to start my own unique, online fashion jewellery business,

One year on - Juliet Fay!

A year ago this month I took the plunge and officially started trading in my new business as a freelance copy writer, promoting and writing sales messages for businesses.

Utter Brilliance

I started up my business "Utter Brilliance" earlier this year and have already had several commissions to write bespoke special occasion verse. Last month, I not only wrote the Bridegroom's speech for his wedding, but also a Fairy Tale (in verse) detailing the couple's romantic history.

Izziwizzi Kids at Chris Cardell Entrepreneur Summit

I was called up on the stage to tell over 500 entrepreneurs about the success of Izziwizzi Kids and how I juggle the business with 3 children aged 4 and under with the youngest being only 5 months old.

WOMAN ON THE WEB

WiRE Member Wins Top Industry Award (and is shortlisted for another!)

Stiletto golf group!

Studio 61 wins an award: the start of a roller coaster of events

TULIP CLEANING SERVICES SIGNS UP TO JOBS DEAL

Ashby mum is crowned East Midlands Business Woman of the Year.

New-look Website Signals Confident Future

Countryside Connection – An Extended Rural Community

THE GAME OF LIFE – Positive life coaching for businesses and private individuals.

Tara Dennis - Seeds of Success

Max & Milly Superior Dog Products

And God Created Woman...

Seek it Out!

Working Lunch with Liz Beaty

Squashed Tomato

Nadine Hill Dream PA

Rachel Mooney at Moor Heaven

The Blueberry Patch

Gee Gee Images

Mango Mutt

Well Rooted with Frances De Bosdari

Helen Wilkinson

Health and Well-Being at www.kanikernaturalhealth.co.uk

On the Road with Gofarmer.com

www.virtualbusinessassistant.co.uk

The Littlecote Soap Co.

LilyJo Designs

Going Potty

Bedecked!

WiRE News