AN entrepreneur mum in Oldham is urging other women with families aspiring to be successful in business to join a growing networking group.

Ellie Bowden, 35, runs the Rochdale and Oldham group of MIB (Mums in Business) International as well as her own wedding venue dressing company, Bows & Joy Ltd.

The group would normally meet in the centre of Shaw, where Ellie lives, but because of the coronavirus pandemic meetings are currently limited to online gatherings.

MIB International was founded by bestselling author, the Forbes magazine featured mother-of-five Leona Burton.

Although there has been huge growth in the business in the last few months Ellie says Leona is still very much “hands on”, maintaining personal contact with each of the MIB network leaders who run local groups.

Ellie said: “We aim to create a supportive and welcoming environment helping women and mums feel comfortable, enabling them to share about their business and build connections and friendships that will truly support them and their business growth.

“There are groups globally which are set up to empower and enable those in business to network and connect with others in the same position.”

Ellie took over the MIB International Rochdale & Oldham Networking Group in the middle of July.

She continued: “I have been a part of the MIB community for around three years though as the co-owner Bows & Joy Ltd.

“During those years I have made so many valuable business connections and some lifelong friends.

“I've co-authored a book with other members of the organisation and have taken part in a body positivity photo shoot which was amazingly empowering.

“My Rochdale and Oldham group is for ambitious and motivated mums and women in business that want to create a profitable business and live life on their terms.

“The only limitation for us is our imagination. It's a supportive and welcoming group for all things entrepreneurial.

“We share tips, strategies and advice on a whole range of topics from sales to social media, list building, planning, launching and everything else in between.

“Whether members are just starting out or looking to grow their existing business, or just learn a few new things then our group is the place to be.”

The group has weekly features where group members can promote their own,businesses, shout-out other businesses they use or have worked with, ask for advice or si mply chat away with each other about life, Ellie said.

She went on: “As well as our Facebook group, I hold monthly networking meetings where members can join myself as the networking leader, and community of like-minded women at our networking meetings, where our focus is to leave you empowered, inspired and connected.

“All our events are child friendly. We recognise the struggles of being a mum in business and we’re all here to support our members all the way.

“There is always a chance for everyone to introduce themselves and their business, an opportunity to make use of our showcase table to further advertise what they do (at face to face meetings only) and every attendee is entered in to a draw at each meeting to win a prize donated by a local business.

“People will have plenty of time to network with the other attendees and the Networking Leader is always on hand to for support.”

Attendees also get discounts on MIB International courses. Recent courses have included “How To Sell Without Selling”, “Branding Like a Bada*s” and an upcoming course collaboration with actor and businesswoman Holly Matthews “10 Days To Get Seen”. The courses are all prepared and presented by Leona herself, alongside other expert speakers most of which are from within the MIB

All the meetings are currently being held online obviously, due to local Covid restrictions. Online networking meetings cost £10 per person, and at every meeting there is a guest speaker who will bring a topic with a focus on sharing knowledge that will move everyone's business forward.

Meetings are scheduled to last an hour and a half, but almost always over-run as members enjoy chatting away and having fun while networking.

Ellie added: “Once we are able to return to face to face networking meetings they will be held at a venue in Shaw town centre.

“This location is perfect for members from both Oldham and Rochdale due to the transport links and lots of free parking in the area.

“These meetings will be scheduled to last two hours and cost £15, but again I've never left an event on time in the three years I've been attending networking meetings.

“Overall, being a part of MIB Int. Networking is definitely something every mum or woman with their own business, or a hobby or side hustle they want to expand should be a part of. Here is the link to my group and the main MIB Int. page for more information.