Laura Morris (left) and Joanne Dewberry (right) started Networking Mummies (Dorset) on the 9th February 2009.

The idea was formed one wet morning at a local toddler group between the two mums who already owned their own businesses. Laura Morris of Rent A Buggy and Joanne Dewberry of Charlie Moo’s.

They both felt that there was no support for local mums in business, who were not only trying to start or run their own business but also juggle family life. So on the 9th February 2009 they met with a small group of other entrepreneurial mummies and soon realised from the feedback they received it could be more.

Over the next few months, they built a website, held more events and went onto providing a great support network of like-minded women.

2009 was a great year with Hampshire branch being added in November, run by Jo Gleeson and 2010 went onto be even better! Networking Mummies (Dorset) at this point had reached over 350 members. Their monthly events consisted of affordable workshops, free events with the kids and more and also importantly raising funds for various charities locally and Nationally.

Also in 2010 saw our first ‘Dorset Business Mums Journal’ being launched and also Networking Mummies (Dorset) being a Finalist in the World Skills Entrepreneurship Competition. Not only were things going well but Laura Morris was announced Winner of the ‘Start Up Category‘ for Women on Their Way Awards and Joanne Dewberry was named ‘Dorset Business Mum of the Year’ for their own businesses.

In May 2010, Laura decided to relocate back to Warwickshire to be nearer family. A hard decision for them both but an exciting one as it meant they could still work together but they were expanding! Networking Mummies (Warwickshire) has also had a great year, with already over 150 mums onboard running a range of businesses and their own edition of the  ‘Midlands Business Mums Journal’.

Laura and Joanne have both always had aspirations and dreams for the business. Networking Mummies is about supporting each other and recommendations. They recognise the power of word of mouth endorsement, its prevalence among the parenting community and the importance of tapping into it to increase sales. By joining forces and sharing skills, knowledge and contacts, they hope to drive business success for all members.

It is known as a ‘local community with family at its heart’

So, on the 9th February 2011 it’s our Second Birthday and boy are we celebrating! We bring you the chance to be part of the ‘bigger picture‘ as we launch our Franchise across the UK.

So what does the day involve?

What – Our Second Birthday Party and ‘Be Part of the Bigger Picture’

When – 9th February 2011

Where – Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ

Schedule of the Day

• 9:30 Registration
• 10 am – 11:15am Networking – Be Part of The Bigger Picture
• 11:15 – 11:30am BREAK
• 11:30 -12:00pm Networking Body Language
• 12.00pm – 12.30pm Speed Networking
• 12:30 -1:30pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 2:30pm Franchise Launch – Be Part of The Bigger Picture
• 2:30 – 3pm Q&A with Laura Morris and Joanne Dewberry
• 3pm onwards Networking, Exhibitions and Refreshments
• Closes at 4.30pm

The price for the full day is £20. This includes a Sandwich Lunch with Fruit Platter and a slice of our Birthday Cake along with refreshments served throughout the day. To book your ticket, please click here.

The Franchise is low cost and works alongside your own business to increase awareness and sales at the same time. Designed to fit around you, you can work as little or as often as you like.  Wanting to be a part of something bigger in life is everyone’s dream, investing in franchising is just that. deciding which is the best franchise to buy can be quite difficult. But with so many franchises around nowadays it really shouldn’t be that difficult.

There is also space for 5 x 5ft tables in our mini-exhibition available. These tables will be in the foyer where all breaks, refreshments etc will be served. The cost of having one of these tables is just £75 and includes your logo on our website here. If you would like to book this space, please click here.

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