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Women’s business networks are thriving. There have never been more and they’ve never been more in demand. And there’s a very good reason: most women in business find that other women in the same position are their most valuable form of support, inspiration and business connections. If you’re not already a member of a network, maybe now is the time to give it a go?
Networks vary in their approach and atmosphere and you might need to try a few before you find the one that’s right for you. Most charge fairly modest fees, but some referral networks can be very pricey; be sure that this approach to networking is right for your business and go along as a guest a couple of times before you sign-up.
Below we’ve listed a wide range of women’s business networks across the UK. All of those groups have regular local meetings. For up-to-date information about locations, events and fees click through to the website of the network you’re interested in.
If you can’t find a network in your area, have a look at our business support map – it includes women’s business organisations, which often also provide networking opportunities.
Our listings cover most areas in the UK, but we’re keen to make it even more comprehensive: if you run a network and would like to be added to the Prowess 2.0 Women’s Business Networks Listing, please get in touch.
For tips on how to enjoy networking and get the most out of it, read this great article: The Good the Bad and the Ugly of Business Networking.
Women’s Business Networks
Association of Scottish Businesswomen The umbrella organisation for business and professional women’s clubs throughout Scotland.
Cambridge Businesswomen’s Network Monthly meetings are open to women from all sectors of the business community and professions, small businesses and start ups to corporates.
Forward Ladies Networking events for women in business across the North of England. Over 350 events a year.
Highflying Divas A not-for-profit mentoring forum for professional women in their own business or a career, with meetings in Essex and London.
Ladies at 11 “For women who are serious about their business.” Monthly meetings, London and the South East.
Networking Women is a collaborative organisation offering networking opportunities for women running small businesses in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
Norwich Business Women’s Network Friendly monthly business networking for businesswomen and women in corporate roles in Norwich and Norfolk.
Rural Women’s Network A network of 10 women’s business networks across Cumbria.
Sussex Women In Business Sussex Women in Business is a not-for-profit, non-political, voluntary network for women in business.
The Athena Network A national referrals focused network which is managed by local franchisees.
The Women in Business Network A referrals based network, which has around 70 groups managed by local franchisees.
1230 The Women’s Company London and Kent. Franchise based networking meetings and events.
Vale Women’s Business Network For women in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales.
WiRE Women in Rural Enterprise – the national business club for rural women in business.
Women in Business Hull is a networking organisation for decision-making women in Hull, East Yorkshire and North/North East Lincolnshire.
Women in Business NI Network for women in business across Northern Ireland.
Women in Business (NW) Networking, training and awards for women in the Merseyside area.
WIN Networking events and awards for women in the North East of England.
Women Of Worth (WoW) Monthly meetings in Kibworth in Leicestershire.
Women Unlimited Events and workshops for women in the London area.
This is a great post; it’s good to see that women have access to a number of sources of support for their business and for their personal development as well. At Forward Ladies we find that our members gain real value from the support they get from other like-minded women who are running businesses or developing their careers (we welcome both). We also find that women’s needs are often different from men’s and that they seek a range of types of support including skills development, peer support/mentoring, online resources and access to listen and speak to inspiring women, as well as ‘pure networking’.