GWENT's businesswomen were out in force for the relaunch of an organisation which aims to recognise their important role and encourage others to join them.

Around 100 attended the 10th anniversary meeting of Gwent Business Women's Network during International Women's Week.

Guest speaker at the Parkway Hotel, Cwmbran, was Gill Sheddick, one of the initial supporters of the Network and joint managing director of hauliers Norbert Dentressangle UK Wales and West. Her story of the early days when she and her husband first set up Sheddick Transport at Newport and how she overcame inhibitions about working in transport and logistics - an industry where women are grossly under-represented - was an inspiration.

At the meeting, Terri Graham's commitment and dedication to GBWN was acknowledged.

Now an honorary member, she spent eight consecutive years at its head and helped to promote and raise awareness of local businesswomen and their valuable contribution to the community.

Women make up half the population in Europe but account for less than a third of small-business owners. There has been steady growth in start-up businesses by women but more is essential to stimulate innovation and employment. GBWN hopes to make an impact on those figures and start to redress the imbalance.

Sponsors who helped make the event possible were Barclays, UK Steel, Torfaen council, Centre for Business, ngb2b (Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce), Carrick Business Services, Garland Florists of Newport, photograher Steve Hopkin Jones and Peacheys Chartered Accountants.

GBWN is now focusing on tailored, quality training and increasing networking and business opportunities for members.

Many members have already taken advantage of cross-selling, using the services of other members.

Several of the meetings are dedicated to presentations by members on their businesses, and product-service information is displayed on a "first come, first served" basis.

GBWN usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, at 6.30pm at the Parkway Hotel.

The next meeting is on April 2, sponsored by Barclays and titled "Clearly Business - Effective Networking."

For more information on membership, sponsorship, and the monthly meetings, call Samantha Peachey on 01633 213318, or e-mail samantha.peachey @peacheys.co.uk

In the picture: Terri Graham and Gill Sheddick (front from left) receive bouquets from Gwent Businesswomen's Network. Other members pictured are (from left) Liz Rogers, Trish Reardon, Julie Goodfellow, Dr Caryl Cresswell, Jen Maguire, Samantha Peachey and Jayne Garland.