A NEW group aiming to bring together business women in Wells is being launched in January 2025.
Founder of the Women Of Business Network for Wells, or WOBN, is Bella Merrifield, a B2B and Sales Manager for Flapjackery Ltd, which has a shop on Sadler Street. The co-founder is Emma Russell, Director of Riot Us (formerly Anokhi), at 1 High Street.
“It is the first business group to be founded by the business women of Wells for the business women of Wells,” said Bella.
“There have been plenty of network groups, and some women-only networks for the county of Somerset, but never has there been something exclusively for our fair city.”
She said that all women are welcome to join and discover the advantages of working together, whether those applying for membership are directors, managers, service providers or business owners. Those who are simply an aspiring entrepreneur or ambitious individual can get in touch as well.
The first honorary member is the 650th Mayor of Wells, Councillor Jasmine Browne.
Bella said that she and Emma “know that in business, just as in life, every connection and every experience has great value; the opportunity for wider knowledge and greater success. We have both worked on Wells market place for many years, making friendships and connections we wish to strengthen in the new year.”
Membership will be free – members will just have to buy their own lunch when attending meetings. There will be exclusive network events, and event speakers will be pioneers or trail-blazers in their respective fields, although it will not just be about a speaker – the aim is to encourage open conversation and audience relationship.
“We want the network to be more than networking; a place for women of any age to come and learn and share experiences, so that everyone can learn the art of business,” said Bella.
The first meet-up will be at the end of January. To find out more, or become a donor to the network, email contact.wobn@gmail.com. Letters will also be sent to business owners around Wells over the festive period and Bella will be calling into places herself to help promote the network.
“As the founder of WOBN Wells, I can’t wait to get to know you better and welcome you to our wider network,” she said.
• Picture: Group founder Bella Merrifield (Heitor Corsi Photography)