Networking forum for businesswomen in South Wales are holding events throughout March to celebrate International Women's Day, and have also launched a new website.

The Vale Women’s Business Network (VWBN) is holding events throughout the month of March in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Winner of the Welsh Woman of the Year 2003 – Small Business Category, Margaret Hewlett, will be the guest speaker at the VWBN event at 7pm on Wednesday 17 March at Cottrell Park Golf Club.

Margaret Hewlett reached the pinnacle of her 43 year career in business last year when she was won this award. She began her career as a trainee Accountant with Sir Julian Hodge in the 50’s, continued her training in London returning home in 1962 to marry and start a family. In 1965 together with her husband they formed a building company which started Margaret on her business career, her development as a mature student and along the path which has led her to where she is today.

Margaret’s story is one of trials and tribulations and personal pain and happiness, as she says “whenever I got over one hurdle another came up in front of me”. At the 17th March event, Margaret will share how she dealt with and overcame the problems which confronted her.

The VWBN web site, www.vwbn.org.uk will be launched later in the month at a day time event which is part of the free “Confident in
Business!” training programme for women business owners who live or work in the Vale of Glamorgan.

In the morning session, Chris Atkinson and Marilia Angove, founders of the VWBN, will give an introduction to networking essentials for business survival and growth – covering different types of networks and networking, highlighting the potential benefits and looking at ideas on how to maximise the business potential of networking.

The afternoon, presented by Polly Nelson of Fire Without Smoke Software Ltd, will centre on online networking and e-business for now and in the future. This will include promotion online, how to apply e-business and develop a technology strategy over the next three years. There will also be an introduction to www.vwbn.org.uk and how to use this new resource, designed by Polly and her Company, to maximum effect.

The VWBN will also be taking part in a number of International Women’s Day events in the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff, including 12noon-4pm on Saturday 6 March at The Temple of Peace, Cardiff, 10am and 12 noon Monday 8 March at Llantwit Major Family Centre, 10am and 12 noon Wednesday 10 March at Rhoose Community Hall and 11am-2.30pm Friday 12 March at Barry Community Enterprise Centre.

Anyone interested in knowing more about the VWBN or the March Extravaganza events can call Julie on tel 01446 771 539, email admin@vwbn.org.uk or call in to one of the International Women’s Day events and speak to VWBN Members who will be staffing the stand.