A NEW women’s networking group will be launching in Stockton Heath.

The Warrington Women in Business Network (WIBN) aspires to be a ‘beacon of empowerment and excellence’.

The first meeting will take place on September 18 at The Olive Tree on London Road in what is expected to be a sold-out event.

WIBN franchise owner Susie Sprigg, from Fearnhead, said the interest and encouragement she has received so far about the group as been ‘wonderful but not surprising’.

She said: “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 12pm 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.

“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.

(Image: Supplied)

“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.”

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.

(Image: EMA PRUTEANU)