Inspirational speaker to boost credit crunch beating business conference

INSPIRATIONAL charity boss Sheila Brown will share her top tips for success with an audience of entrepreneurs at a Cannock business exhibition to help firms overcome the credit crunch.

Mrs Brown OBE, chief executive at Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, will be one of the key speakers at the Wings business network exhibition, being held at Chase Park (Cannock Cricket and Hockey Club), Church Lane, Hatherton, on Friday October 16 from 9am to 4pm.

And support of a different kind is hoped for at the event, as another charity is asking businesswomen attending to donate unwanted bras.

Mrs Brown founded Newlife Foundation, and trading company, Newlife Trading, almost 20 years ago after her son, Greg, was diagnosed with a rare condition called Noonan’s Syndrome and autism. 

With a multi-million pound turnover, Newlife is one of the largest employers in the area and still growing. The recycling company now provides products and services to most of the UK’s major retailers and supermarkets and the services and activities raise funds to help disabled children across the UK.

Mrs Brown will recount lessons she has learned along the way to help encourage local business people to achieve more.

Newlife Foundation is the UK’s leading children’s disability charity specialising in support to aid children affected by all disabilities.  As well as funding equipment grants and research, the charity also offers support from specially trained nurses and campaigns for a fairer deal for children to access essential equipment and services. 

“We are delighted Sheila will be joining us, ” said Carol Garrington, marketing director at Passionate Media, Bridgtown and exhibition organiser.

“The word inspirational is over-used but totally justified in Sheila’s case.”

She explained that the event will be an opportunity for members of Wings – the Women’s Networking Group – to showcase their many businesses, but is also open to non-members, and businessmen too.

“Our members run some wonderful and varied businesses, and we want to help them promote what they do, but the day is about much more than that,” she explained.

“We want to get as many Midlands

firms along as possible, to help them network, make some great contacts, and hopefully learn something too.

Also included in the day, will be a morning workshop by Academy of High Achievers on increasing sales performance and an afternoon workshop by Passionate Media an introduction to social media for business.

“Besides Sheila, we have some fantastic speakers and workshops, offering priceless advice on a range of things from making the most of social networking and podcasts to how to increase your sales performance.”

The event also has a charitable element to it, with representatives from Compton Hospice and National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parents Organisation holding a “clothes amnesty” to help raise funds.

Compton Hospice is appealing for business women to clean out their wardrobes and take along any posh frocks or accessories they may have and no longer need, which will then be sold at a fashion show fund raiser due to be held in November.

The National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parents Organisation (NACCPO) will also leave a bra bin at the exhibition, for women to donate their old bras, in support of the Stafford-based charity.

* To find out more, or book a place or a stall, ring Carol on 01543 468621.