ORGANISERS of a new group set up to help local women succeed in business, in a rural environment, say the turn-out for the inaugural meeting was both "fantastic" and inspiring.

The first meeting of the brand new Ledbury WiRE (Women in a Rural Enterprise) group took place at Westons Cider, Much Marcle, on Wednesday June 21, and organisers were delighted with the positive response.

Spokesman, Janey Cotton said: "There was a fantastic turn out of 35 interesting and inspiring ladies from such a variety of businesses including Chartered Surveyors to cake bakers to renewable energy providers to packaging for food stuffs to health and wellness experts to paint-balling and self-catering holiday cottages to IT Experts to pregnant micro pigs and many many more.

" Helen Thomas, Managing Director of Westons Cider was the guest speaker and gave an insight into the history of the Weston family and the growth and success of the home of Stowford Press. Many notes were taken when Helen shared some very useful top tips on how to be successful in business.The group aims to help women with small businesses with setting up, running and marketing their businesses."

The need to offer support to women in businesses was recognised by WiRE nearly ten years ago, and since then WiRE has grown into a national organisation "supporting rural business women across the UK".

The next meeting will take place at Westons Cider on Wednesday July 19, from 9.15am to11am.

Further details on 01531 660322 or email janey@greatmoorcourt.co.uk