A women’s networking group that aspires to be a “beacon of empowerment and excellence” is launching in Stockton Heath.
The Warrington Women in Business Network (WIBN) group will meet at The Olive Tree for the first time on Wednesday, 18 September at what is expected to be a sold-out event.
“The interest and encouragement I have received is wonderful, but not surprising,” said WIBN franchise owner Susie Sprigg, 48, who lives in Fearnhead.
“I learned first hand just how supportive the female business community is during the pandemic. My husband had passed away the year before, aged just 52. I desperately needed community, connection and hope, and I found all that and more online with the Chester WIBN group.
‘As the world started to reopen and my grief changed to healing, I took the next natural step, which was to launch the first of what would eventually become five in-person groups of my own. Warrington will be my sixth group, and I have no plans to stop there. I will do this work for the rest of my life because I know how important it is for women to have a safe, inclusive space to belong to.”
Susie has appointed two group leaders to run the Warrington WIBN group, which will meet from 12noon to 2pm every third Wednesday of the month. These include four-time bestselling author and TEDx Warrington speaker Louisa Herridge, who became an entrepreneur after her teaching career concluded at St. Gregory’s Catholic High School in Great Sankey. Known as the ‘Queen of Collaborations’, Louisa, 44, is now a storytelling coach.
Former teacher turned entrepreneur Louisa Herridge
“I cannot wait to meet new women in business and find ways to support and help each other,” said Louisa, who is originally from Woolston. “Having been a member of several networking groups, the opportunity to host WIBN lights up all my values of connection, success and joy.”
Orford resident Valerie Ritchie, 57, who will co-lead with Louisa, added: “Warrington has been a nurturing ground for my growth as a speaker, writer and midlife empowerment coach. The vibrant business community and the spirit of collaboration have inspired me to take on this leadership role.
‘Ultimately, my aspiration is for the Warrington WIBN group to be recognised as a beacon of empowerment and excellence – inspiring women to dream big, achieve their goals, and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.”
Valerie Ritchie
First launched in 2005, WIBN has more than 850 members and offers both national networking online and face-to-face networking at local groups that are owned by franchisees.
“Members who visit or join WIBN say they are looking for belonging and growth,” added Susie. “Although many people do find new customers through our network, we don’t have referral targets, so no one is pressured to pass leads on. We are more concerned with how we can help and learn from each other.”
