In a business world still dominated by men, entrepreneurial women have had to work harder to succeed.

Now, the Women in Business Network has been launched to support enterprise and professional development in the Isle of Man.

It's being led by Kate Lord of the Isle of Man Business and Innovation Centre and members of the steering committee include leading local businesswomen such as Debs Gwinnell of Big Fish and AXA's Kat Turner.

Kate Lord says: 'Ultimately we hope that the Women in Business network will open up business and development opportunities for women and their businesses on the Isle of Man, whilst providing a forum for shared interest, support and knowledge.

'Raising female attendance at Isle of Man business events is something we are keen to do as well as working with other organisations on and off the Island. We already have some fantastic women involved.'

More than 100 women attended the launch at The Courthouse in Athol Street, Douglas.

The next meeting of the network is Tuesday, August 18, between 6pm and 8pm, at The Courthouse.

As well as making potentially lucrative connections, women can publicise events, suggest speaking topics and become voluntary mentors for new enterprise ventures.

Kate said: 'We're off to a great start. I'm delighted at the success of the first meeting, both in terms of the high attendance, the support and the range of women who attended. The response proved there is a need for this group.'

The network is open to women who are already involved in the business world or are thinking of setting up their own business.

Membership is free and the network is supported by a website – www.isleofmanbizwomen.com – and blog. There's even a Facebook fan page called Isle of Man Women in Business.

There's been a positive reaction from local businesswomen.

Debs Gwinnell said: 'I think the launch proved that this is something the Isle of Man has needed for years. If we could have harnessed the positive energy in The Courthouse at the launch we could have rendered the Power Station obsolete.'

Managing director of OSA recruitment agency, Bernadette Murphy added: 'This was a great opportunity to meet other high profile women from a mix of industries on the Island. I will definitely be supporting this network.'

Jenny Moore, who owns JWR accountancy practice, said: 'I was extremely impressed with the turnout and interest expressed by fellow businesswomen, which would seem to indicate a forum was long overdue. I particularly like the idea of a monthly meet, hopefully the meetings and the website will settle down to a useful sounding board to share ideas, recommendations, contacts and most importantly give support to fellow members.'

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Send your comments to bizviews@newsiom.co.im