NEARLY 20 female entrepreneurs attended the first meeting of a new group set up in Wellinton to provide support for women who run their own businesses in and near the town.

The Wellington Women in Business (WWB) group was formed by three friends, Zoe Old, Marion Vincent, and Sher Frendo when they realised that although they ran different businesses, they faced many of the same challenges to being successful.

WWB will meet monthly on the second Wednesday in Wellington Community Centre with activities and advice to help women cope with any business issues they have.

The first meeting was informal with a fun theme to help people get to know each other.

Those who attended played ‘people bingo’ as an ‘icebreaker’ before moving on to around the table discussions on what the group would like or need moving forward.

The evening wrapped up with an ‘any questions’ session arising from the group discussions.

Tea and coffee was provided and cakes were supplied by Zoe’s Treats and photographs taken by Kathryn Anne Photography.

Zoe said: “The evening was a huge success, full of positivity, and very much welcomed by the business women in Wellington.

“Despite the cold snowy conditions we were thrilled to have 19 fabulous businesswomen attend.”

One of the first-time attendees, Theresa Chard, from Squeaky Clean, said afterwards: “I was not sure what to expect from the night, but I am so glad I went. I cannot wait for the next one.”

Those who helped to launch the group included Theresa, from Squeaky Clean; Rosie, from Meadow Therapies; Sarah, from SJ Accounting; Fern, from Prettybaby93; Kelly, from No.32 Beauty; Kiera, from Kiera Chard; Nicola, from The Box Circa 75; Karen, from Somerset Boudoir by K Kimmins; Karen Kimmins Newborn Photography; Kathryn, from Kathryn Anne Photography; Kat, from Piercings By Kat; Laura, from Smile and Save with Laura; Marianne, from Marianne Kavanagh - Life Celebrant; Fiona, from P Daddys Pop up Kitchen; Somerset New Horizons Network; Debbi, from Kieran’s Legacy; Christina, from Enlighten your Essence; Super Kids Therapy; Zoe, from Pamper You by Zoe; Sher, from Mary’s Attic Celebration Station; and Maz, from Growing Minds.

The group’s next meeting will be on April 12 from 7 pm to 9 pm in Wellington Community Centre and more information can be obtained by emailing [email protected].

Photographs by Kathryn Anne Photography.