A new women’s business networking group aimed at connecting local professional women is set to launch in Preston.

The Athena Network will debut with a pop-up event in The Fulwood Room at Preston Golf Club on Wednesday 20 November from 10am to 12pm.

Part of a national franchise, the Athena Network will offer Lancashire business women opportunities to engage with other business owners from diverse industry sectors. They can also gain training and development, plus a support network to help grow their business. 

Activities will include a monthly lunchtime networking group, motivational workshops on networking skills and business planning, social events, training courses, and one-to-one consultancy services.

The National and International Athena Network, which is aimed specifically at female executives and entrepreneurs, has been brought to the region by Olivia Carter, former national account manager for Warburtons.

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Speaking about the launch, Olivia said: “I am delighted to bring The Athena Network to Lancashire, having been blown away by the impact of the female networking franchise currently predominantly based in the South. 

“The aim of the pop-up event is for women to visit and understand more about networking The Athena Way and what Athena has to offer. This is not your traditional network, we pride ourselves on a professional approach which puts the emphasis on driving genuine and meaningful connections – it’s women’s networking with a difference.”

The Athena Network, which launched in London in 2005, is rapidly becoming a leading international networking, training and development business club for female executives and entrepreneurs. There are groups across the UK and as far afield as Singapore.

The group was founded by business leader and former Lancashire resident, Jacqueline Rogers. Jacqueline launched the franchise following a successful career in a range of consultancy, training and sales roles for the likes of KPMG, BAE, Ernst and Young, BT and Thomson NETg.

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Local businesswomen are invited to attend the Athena Network launch event at Preston Golf Club in Fulwood, where they will be able to speak with Olivia and Jacqueline. It costs £5 to attend. Find out more and register here.

Will you be going to the networking event? Let us know in the comments.