GIRL power is alive and well in Worcestershire with a new wom-en's business group going from strength-to-strength.

The Women in Business Club was formed in April this year as a way for businesswomen to share ideas and support each other.

Already there are about 30 members in the club, which was the brainchild of chairwoman Rachel Jones, an independent financial adviser who works with her dad and brother at Keith Jones Financial Planning, in Bishampton, near Pershore.

The club targets women primarily in Evesham and Pershore, but there are members from Worcester as well.

"The club is for women who own their own business or are high up in their firms and can influence decisions," said Miss Jones.

"It's primarily a networking club to promote our businesses and encourage other members who have just started out.

"Often they feel quite isolated and the club is a forum for them to come together to discuss their business requirements and needs."

The club meets once a month and alternates between lunchtime and evening meetings to be fair to everyone.

Guest speaker

Normally there is a guest speaker at the meetings - held at locations throughout the Pershore and Evesham area - and workshop sessions have also been organised.

The club also held a ball at the end of September, which raised about £3,500 for St Richard's Hospice, in Worcester.

More than 230 people attended the ball, held in a marquee, in Bishampton, and bid for dozens of lots in the charity auction, with all prizes donated by local businesses and members.

"Quite a lot of us have had people lost to cancer," said Miss Jones, whose mum died of cancer in September 2000.

"It's a cause that's close to our hearts. We had loads and loads of prizes donated by local businesses and by the ladies in the business club, so I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone for their support."

The next meeting of the Women in Business Club is due to take place on Thursday, November 21 at the Thai Emerald Restaurant, in Evesham, from 1pm to 2pm.

December's meeting, on Wednesday 11, will take place at Gianni's Restaurant, in Evesham.

Phone Miss Jones for more information on 01386 462572 or e-mail: racheljones@globalinternet.co.uk.