The Cork connection

When you do business, you’d rather do it with people you’ve come to know. This is the foundation of all networking groups, however, Network Cork offers so much more for women, writes Christine Allen

Providing a forum for women in business, the professions and the arts, Network Cork offers a friendly and informal environment for business women to exchange ideas and boost business contacts.

Encouraging women to achieve satisfying careers, Network Cork offers a wide variety of events, from seminars, talks and workshops to social events and promotes women as worthy contributors to the Irish economy.

Network Cork President, Julia Lynes, says most women are put off networking groups at the thought of walking into a sea of suits.

“The main advantage of membership is that it builds business relationships and promotes business amongst the members. This happens organically, in that you come to know the members and they become your support network,” she says.

With 113 members from industry such as retail, the legal profession, hotels, catering, sales and marketing, public relations, hair, beauty and fashion, as well as company marketing managers, she says Network Cork is ideal for women working alone and those who have just embarked on a business venture.

“Work is isolating for women working alone. The group is ideal for those starting out. Members can avail of the experience and advice of others.”

Members develop and pool individual skills through interaction with members, she says.

The branch is the second-largest of nine nationwide and feeds into Network Ireland, which liaises with national and international organisations and creates links with government and state bodies.

She says the coming months will see the launch of the national website, including a Cork branch site, which will link up to a national member database.

“This will allow members to take what they do in Cork and expand their contacts to a national platform,” she says.

The next meeting, on Wednesday 2 November, will see personal trainer, Brian Hogan, focus on stress management and energising ahead of the Christmas season.

Rebecca Birchall of Keane's Jewellers will also take over as President at the AGM in December.

“Rebecca is a dedicated member with great experience in Network Cork and also Dublin. I’ve no doubt that she will do great things for Network Cork,” Ms Lynes added.

She also congratulated members, Valerie Cahill and Máiread O’Brien, who recently scooped awards at the Network Ireland awards in Dublin.

For more information on events and membership, which costs €195 per year with an initial €25 administration fee, email membership@networkcork.com or see www.networkcork.com.