Enterprising women in Blackbird Leys have set up a business network with a difference. As well as giving businesswomen the chance to forge new contacts, the group includes some who had never considered setting up a business before joining.

The Leys Women’s Business Network is the brainchild of part-time teacher Katie Chester, 41, of Pine Close, and her friend Tanya Prescott, who both run small businesses from their homes.

Ms Chester, mother to one-year-old Esme, said: “I had the idea last year when I went back to work part-time and started a small business, which I was hoping to fit around my daughter and make a bit of extra money.

“I thought there must be lots of other women in the area doing similar things together and thought I should try to get them together. It can be quite isolated running a business on your own.”

The pair also hope to challenge negative perceptions about Blackbird Leys.

Ms Prescott said: "It is incredible, the range of things that people are doing here. If we had not set up the network, we would never have known. And I think we have only touched the surface.”

Ms Chester said: “It is about supporting each other and proving that we can do it.”

Members range from women who run party-plan businesses or are self-employed, to those who work at home doing hairdressing or cake decorating.

Ms Prescott has a part-time job with the NHS, and has set up a coaching and mentoring business, which she wants to expand.

She said: “I was interested in finding out more about business, and I thought setting up a network like this would give me more insight into the world of business.

“Also, I thought it was a really good way to share resources.”

Ms Chester, who runs a business selling Neals Yard products from home, said: “We are based in the Leys — that is our catchment area — and we are aiming to serve the community.

"We aim to be affordable and accessible to very small businesses and budding businesswomen. Some of our members are thinking of setting up a business.

“We do not have expensive events — all our meetings so far have been free. It is very educational, and all about supporting and mentoring each other.”

The response has exceeded their expectations, with up to 30 members attending free monthly sessions on topics such as tax for the self-employed, how to publicise your business and make marketing plans.

Mobile hairdresser Jenny Wells said her business was well-established, but she had found the meetings friendly and informative.

“I feel this is a great opportunity for women starting their own business. This gives a great sense of achievement and independence, as well as making you feel you are in control of your own life," she said.

Another member is Phyllida Chappell, who set up as a holistic therapist after losing her job as an occupational health adviser.

The network has so many health and beauty practictioners that it plans to hold a wellbeing festival.

Ms Chester said: “It is very expensive to pay for a stand at high-profile places. The fee for exhibitions can be prohibitive for people who are just starting out.”

As well as showcasing events, other ideas include a skill swap, said Ms Chester.

“My plan is to provide a forum where people can meet and exchange their swaps online. Perhaps someone will have made homemade jam and they want help in their garden, or maybe someone is training as a hairdresser and wants some experience. It is open to people to do their own thing.”

She added: “I think women have a different approach to business than men. Many women have to fit it around a family and a lot of it is finding time and having to juggle it.

“But we aren't all mothers with children. Our oldest member is in her seventies and there is a huge age range, but we all have a lot of commitment and lots of things to do.”

The group's latest venture is a buying network — an idea they took up after a talk from Chris Pomfret, of Wootton, near Woodstock. They have already formed a group to take advantage of cheaper boiler servicing.

She said: “It is a win-win situation, because the company providing the goods or service gets a block-booking or bulk order, while the customers get a better deal for their money. The environment wins too, with fewer journeys made for deliveries.

“I am hoping that we can reduce costs for our members, for example on public liability insurance.”

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