THERE was a time, not that long ago actually, when living out in the sticks was a bit of a handicap if you wanted to run a business from home. But new technology has changed all that.

Computers and the internet have brought national, nay global, markets into your farmhouse study and a mouse is something you click to access them, as well as something that still runs along the roof beams of the feed store.

Now, sweeping in on the slip-stream of the electronic age, comes a new organisation to help women who live in the countryside start up or run their own businesses.

Everything from art galleries to yoga teachers is covered by the remit of WiRE or Women in Rural Enterprise.

Officially described as "a networking and business club to help rural women start and maintain their own rural enterprise", it was launched in Worcestershire and Herefordshire earlier this summer and has taken off like the proverbial rocket.

Already there are nearly 100 members and Susie Davies, a farmer's daughter from Devon and a graduate of Harper Adams University College in Shropshire, has been appointed full-time network officer to pull it all together.

For those unfamiliar with the terminology, "networking" is a new business phrase for meeting people, exchanging ideas, information and addresses.

Meeting like-minded women, and supporting each other by sharing experiences are two of the key benefits of networking within WiRE.

If you are a countrywoman thinking of starting a business or want to know how to improve a current one, Susie is the person to go to.

She can offer advice and support, and put you in touch with the right people. After all, she has all the best contacts. That's her job.

Also WiRE, which receives important funds from Advantage West Midlands and the European Social Fund, organises two meetings a month in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, one for networking and one as a workshop to develop a particular skill, such as marketing or financial acumen.

"Everyone has different ideas, businesses and talent," said Susie. "That is one of the main strengths of WiRE, its really diverse membership.

"We have women who run B&Bs, interior designers, those who run day nurseries, tax and accountancy specialists, flower arrangers, health and beauty experts, animal breeders, business consultants, artists, and others.

"The women have some amazing stories of how they have built their businesses from nothing, gaining confidence, experience and independence, and they can pass this on to others who are just starting or want to improve."

The organisation has grown out of a research project by Izzy Warren Smith, one of Harper Adams' lecturers, in the mid-1990s.

At a time when farm incomes were falling, Izzy found that diversification projects on farms were often led by female partners.

However, with little or no experience, they found themselves faced with barriers like lack of confidence, lack of access to finance, rural isolation and sometimes not being taken seriously.

Izzy began by organising a conference in 2000 and was bowled over when nearly 400 rural women from all over the country made the journey to the Shropshire college.

This led to further initiatives and now WiRE operates as a business membership club with an annual subscription of £25, which includes all the seminars and meetings.

Gatherings are held during both daytime and evening to take into account the busy lives of what are often working mothers and, in Worcestershire and Herefordshire at least, spread around the region.

Through its friendly, approachable staff, networking meetings, workshops, conferences, newsletters, advice and support, WiRE aims to offer a complete business support network for rural entrepreneurs of the female sex.

If you are one or would like to be one, ring Susie Davies on 07891 086721 or email Susie@wireuk.org.

If the gender's a problem, put on a frock.