Why I started W.R.E.N.S.

The 1st of May is a Birthday ....
No not mine, that was in April.  It was the second birthday of WRENS the Women's Rural Enterprise Network Scotland 
W.R.E.N.S. came about following several chats with friends who run their own businesses, about the pros and cons of running a rural business, and how lonely that can be, however much we love what we do, sometimes you need another eye to look something over, someone to bounce an idea past.  Even with the most supportive family, is quite lonely and family aren’t always the best people to give impartial advice.  We felt that a networking group would be useful, to share the strains and the successes, and get general support and advice from like-minded women.  It can be isolating working for yourself, especially if you live in a remote area. 
With Facebook pages and other social media platforms it is easier than ever to belong to a focussed group ‘virtually’.  However, sometimes it’s the face to face, real people thing, that’s needed, especially if they are in the same locality and, thereby have the same trials and tribulations as each other even though each business is unique.
The name arrived in my head one morning whilst in the shower!  I wanted to create a name that would describe what the group was, i.e. Female lead, business orientated and rural-ly located, but that also became an acronym that could be easily remembered. I know the Scotland on the end sounds a bit grand and nationwide, but I couldn’t think of another useful ‘S’ word!
WRENS meets on the first Monday of each month at the Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Campbell St, Lochgilphead, and is open to all women running their own businesses.
More information can be found at www.facebook.com/WRENScotland

Our first meeting 2017

Our First Birthday 2018

Our 2nd Birthday 2019