Women's group gets a new venue

THE TONBRIDGE branch of 1230 The Women's Company (TWC) has recently moved venues – to Bartellas Restaurant in Hildenborough.

"I think a change of venue keeps the group fresh," said Heather O'Brien from Utility Warehouse, who has been running the group since May this year. "The food here is great and the venue itself has been really supportive."

1230 TWC was launched by co-founders Penny Denby and Jackie Groundsell in August 2002 – with a lunch meeting in a restaurant in Clerkenwell. The pair say that "1230 TWC is a dynamic network of meetings and events where like-minded businesswomen help and support each other to grow their businesses".

Heather O'Brien added: "1230 meetings and events are for career women and business owners looking for inspiration, business support and skills, contacts and business partners. At the Tonbridge group, we pride ourselves on being very open and welcoming. Our lunches are relaxing and informal – yet provide women with new business contacts and ideas. Sometimes it's good for women to feel that they aren't alone in business."

There are 1230 TWC groups throughout the UK – including Kings Hill, East Grinstead and Sevenoaks. Non-members can attend two 1230 TWC events before joining and, once they have joined, members can attend other 1230 lunches at the member price. Every week, there's an opportunity to give a one-minute presentation, while membership gives women the chance to give a 10-minute presentation on a regular basis or bring items for a display table.

Women who attended the recent 1230 TWC lunch in Tonbridge are involved in a wide variety of different businesses including Jacqueline Brown, who offers bookkeeping and payroll services; Lys Hix from Partnering Parents, who provides life coaching for young people and their parents; and Marijke van Welie, from Ballard Chambers, a software solutions company.

During their one-minute presentations, Denny Gaskell from the interior style consultancy, Metamorphosis, explained how she helps clients to improve their homes prior to a sale and is currently working with a film-maker to provide videos of homes for sale; while Christine O'Neill told guests about Déjà Vu – the designer dress agency she has run in Seal for the past six years.

For more information about the Tonbridge branch of 1230 TWC, which meets on the first Tuesday of every month, contact Heather O'Brien on tel: 07765 437360, email: heather.obrien@uwclub.net or visit: www.1230.co.uk