A GROUP of determined women are helping each other turn their ambitions into high-flying businesses.

Each month, dozens of women come together to share ideas and contacts in a bid to help each other grow and develop their individual companies.

The Women in Business Network (WIBN) has franchise groups across the country which hold structured and friendly lunchtime meetings which are completely results focused.

In mid Essex, Brittney Skeates is responsible for groups in Braintree, Stansted, Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden.

She said: “I feel very privileged to be surrounded by so many inspirational and very successful business women within my networking groups.

“We are always learning from each other and I’m very proud of the supportive and positive approach of our members which make our business-focussed meetings really special.”

All attendees are invited to promote their business by giving a 60-second pitch, building their business and brand awareness.

In Braintree, web designer Deb Harrison has seen her confidence and profits soar as a result of joining the town’s group.

Deb, of DVH Design, said: “I joined WIBN two years ago when I was new to networking. Two years later, I feel my confidence has increased dramatically and I can now speak up to promote my business, even on the radio.

“I can honestly say that 50 per cent of the projects I am working on have been as a result of networking.”

Event planner Zelma Holt, of Zelabi, is member of three WIBN groups, including Braintree, and believes it is the best platform for new start-up, small or medium sized businesses.

She said: “I have been able to meet remarkable women through WIBN. The support was phenomenal when I went through a rebrand of my business.

“Not only have these structured and effective WIBN groups complimented my business, but I have also connected with so many like-minded business women who have helped me to create opportunities for my business which have paid off immensely.”

WIBN meetings run to an agenda and include a business spotlight. Groups include just one person per profession, with members ranging from sole traders to representatives of larger organisations.

Florist, Cheryl Slater, was ready to give up her Great Dunmow business before she discovered the networking group She said: “I became very stale with my business and was at the end of my tether and ready to give up until I joined WIBN.

“I supplied flowers to my fellow members which has helped me to get my name out there and gives people a chance to see the quality of my work to enable them to use me and to recommend me through word of mouth which is powerful marketing.

“The best thing I could have done was networking as its opened lots of new doors for me and my business. The future is looking brighter.”

This month, the Braintree group, which meets at the Green Dragon in Great Leighs, celebrates its third anniversary with a special meet up between noon and 2pm next Tuesday.

Great Dunmow will celebrate its third anniversary on May 9 at Saracens Head Hotel.