Women to set up businesses

It was the final session of a short programme of free classes organised by Hillingdon Council and Brunel University, in Uxbridge, entitled: “Hillingdon Women in Business: Developing Business Skills“ aimed at women who would like to set up their own businesses and work from home.

The “Dragons“ who included Martin Wood, senior commercial manager at HSBC Heathrow, Murielle Maupoint of Live It Ventures, and Steve Mullins of Ascot Associates appeared at the end of the five-week course.

Organiser, Pauline Seston from Brunel University's Business School, said: “The programme, particularly the guest speakers and our 'Dragons' have given practical, thought-provoking, and very useful advice, and have amply demonstrated that if you believe in yourself, the world is your oyster.“

She added: “The participants have showed tremendous commitment, and their energy and enthusiasm has made working with them a wonderful experience.“

One of the participants, Natalie Gillett, 24, of The Mallows, Ickenham, said: “It gave us everything we needed to know in a nutshell.“ Ms Gillett was so inspired by the classes that she set up her own business, Red Rose Days, during the course: vouchers offering unusual romantic breaks for couples.

Ian Edwards, Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement at Hillingdon Council, commented: “I am delighted to have been part of this worthwhile initiative and have been especially pleased by the large take-up by Hillingdon women, which exceeded our expectation.

“It is important to the borough that the potential of all our residents is realised to create new businesses and I would like to wish all our participants all the best for their future careers.“