Newsletter March 2026

Connecting, Inspiring and Empowering Women in Business

Welcome to the March newsletter from Stroud Businesswomen’s Network.
This month we are looking forward to hearing from Su Chard from The Fig Tree, sharing stories of connection and community during the project’s first five years. You can find our full meeting schedule here

We’re delighted to introduce a fresh new look for the Stroud Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) newsletter.

Our new format is designed to keep you better connected with everything happening in our vibrant community – from upcoming events and inspiring speakers to member stories, opportunities and news from the network.

At its heart, SBN is about connection.

Whether you are just starting out, a seasoned entrepreneur, or exploring new paths, SBN welcomes you.

We hope this new newsletter will help you feel even more part of our community — sharing ideas, celebrating successes and supporting one another along the way.

Inside you’ll find all the latest SBN news including:

Upcoming meeting details
Thoughts from our Chair
Member news & offers
Welcome our newest members
Other news

As a reminder, our newsletter is sent out quarterly to keep you connected with our SBN community and is sent to around 250 local businesswomen.

If you’re an SBN member and have news, tips, or updates you’d like to share in a future issue, just send a short article (less than 200 words in a Word document) to news@stroudbusinesswomen.org.uk. We may also feature your content on our Facebook Page.

Members – Looking to get your business in front of more people? Complete our social media spotlight form for us to feature business and return it to enquiries@stroudbusinesswomen.org.uk with a photo.

Not a member yet? We offer one free meeting before you join! Drop us an email before you come along.

New visitors always welcome

Stroud Businesswomen’s Network is a welcoming and supportive network for women in business across Stroud and Gloucestershire.

If you’d like to meet other local businesswomen, come along and try your first meeting.

👉 Find out more about SBN meetings

Thanks for being part of the SBN community—we hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to seeing you soon!

Warm wishes,

Thoughts from SBN Chair Sue Eskins...

As we move through February, it’s been a wonderful time of reconnecting, celebrating, and building momentum together at Stroud Business Network. It’s been inspiring to see both familiar faces and new members joining us as we continue to grow a supportive and collaborative local business community.

A Festive Christmas Lunch at The Ship

We ended the year on a high note with our jolly Christmas lunch at The Ship. It was a relaxed and joyful gathering, full of laughter, great food, and meaningful conversations. It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on the year, celebrate our achievements, and strengthen the connections that make our network so special. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

January Relaunch Meeting – A Fresh Start

January marked an exciting new chapter with our relaunch meeting. It was fantastic to come together with renewed energy and shared purpose. The meeting reaffirmed what makes Stroud Business Network unique — a space where local businesses can come together to support one another, share ideas, and grow stronger collectively.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Erin at The Natural Cookery School, who very generously stepped in at the last minute to provide us with a unique and welcoming venue. Erin’s support ensured the event could go ahead smoothly, and members were also treated to her delicious homemade vegan carrot cake — a highlight enjoyed by all.

We were especially pleased to welcome our guest speaker, Stephanie Hill from Fizzology, whose talk on inspiring, connecting, and empowering others was both motivating and thought-provoking. Stephanie shared valuable insights from her experience and reminded us of the importance of authentic connection, confidence, and community in business. Her warmth and energy set a wonderful tone for the year ahead. She reminds use to keep laughing.

Focus – stand up and shake those shoulders,
Language – say “and not but’ to stay focused. Make visual connections to words.
Physiology – Laughter through sound and movement , try repeating outloud, ’he he he and ho ho ho’ next time you need a boost . It puts smiles on faces.!

Speed Networking – Making New Connections

Our speed networking session was another highlight, giving members the chance to introduce themselves, share their work, and discover opportunities for collaboration. The room was buzzing with conversation, and it was encouraging to see so many new connections being formed. These moments of connection are at the heart of Stroud Business Network and reflect the strength of our local business community.

February brought an engaging discussion with Dr Alison Edgar MBE, who shared her journey from modest beginnings to achieving global recognition as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker. She brought both humour and a strong ‘can do’ attitude to the meeting. Her emphasis on the importance of building connections was particularly impactful, as she described how networking, seizing opportunities and following up on leads is so important. This contributed to her being asked to appear as an expert on the BBC’s Apprentice – Unfinished Business. Alison also kindly donated copies of her latest books as raffle prizes for members. I highly recommend Secrets of Successful Sales and Smash it: The art of getting what you want.

Jo Hennessey Coaching embraced the opportunity to shout out about the exciting progress of her business. Her approach to coaching is both innovative and inspiring, grounded in science and thoughtfully tailored to each individual’s unique strengths and abilities. Recently trained in the Heart-Mind Performance system, Jo integrates the connection between heart, mind, and body to help clients perform at their very best. Her message served as a powerful reminder of the impact of stress and the importance of prioritising our wellbeing, particularly in the midst of busy and demanding lives.

A Warm Welcome to New Members

We are delighted to welcome our newest members: Adele Dark Calligraphy in the Cotswolds, Sian Horsburgh SH Virtu, Pauline Roberts Cotswold Letterpress, Hayley Walters In-House Screen Printing, Alison Woodham Alison Woodham Photography and Helen Wood Lime House Cottage. It’s wonderful to have you join the network, and we look forward to getting to know you, supporting your work, and helping you make valuable connections within our community.

Looking Ahead
We are excited about the months ahead and look forward to continuing to provide opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another. Whether you’ve been part of the network for years or have only just joined, your presence and contribution make a real difference.

Thank you for being part of Stroud Business Women’s Network — together we are building a stronger, more connected local business community. “Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women” (anon)

We look forward to welcoming you to Minchinhampton New Course Golf Club GL6 9BE for the next meeting on Thursday 26^th March at 09.00am for 09.30 start. We have an exciting agenda including Su Chard from The Fig Tree.

With warm wishes,

Sue Eskins

On behalf of
Stroud Business Women’s Network

Welcome New Members

News & Offers

Do you know a business who B Corp would suit?

If you know of a medium-sized business with high environmental impact e.g. selling products, have facilities, fleets or equipment (especially if they are family-run or have a long heritage in Gloucestershire), I have a referral scheme.

If you refer a business to me, who ends up becoming a client, I will either offer: £100 direct to your bank account Free 1.5 hour in depth sustainability strategy session for your own business (or any other topic that might be of use for you)

Refer another business by emailing camilla@betterbusinessbetterworld.org, copying in your contact.

Please see PDF below that has a brief description of what B Corp is and what the benefits are, which you can share with the company you are referring.
Many thanks, Camilla Barnes Sustainability consultant (specialising in B Corp certification) Co-chair of Gloucestershire B Local (B2B network promoting social & environmental best practice amongst businesses in Gloucestershire)see

Clarity in Action

Clarity in Action" is a 1:1 deep-dive designed to help you cut through the noise, gain clarity, and walk away with an action plan tailored just for you. Whether you are struggling with social media, messy workflows, or want to talk through some ideas you need to unpack, we will spend two hours together (either via Zoom or in person here in Stroud!) tackling your biggest roadblocks so you can reclaim your time and focus on what you love most. To make sure you stay on track, the session also includes two weeks of WhatsApp support from me, giving you a creative ideas partner to lean on while you implement your new plan.

Full information here: Clarity In Action

Nailsworth Death Café

Nailsworth Death Cafe is 10! To all of you who have supported myself and Tracey Clements over the years, whether you’ve come once, or you are a regular - THANK YOU.
Suffice to say, we wouldn’t still be doing this if we didn't truly believe there is a benefit to talking about this most important of subjects.
Huge thanks as well to Caroline Saturley and The Canteen Nailsworth for hosting us throughout these ten years. Join us on Weds 25th from 7:30, starting with a birthday cake and then business as usual!

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A Death Café is a not-for-profit gathering where people come together to talk openly about death, dying and everything in between – over tea, cake and kind conversation. There's no agenda, no speaker and no selling; just a relaxed, safe space to explore a topic that touches us all.
The idea began with Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz's Café Mortel in 2004 and was brought to the UK by Jon Underwood in 2011, whose family continue to support the global Death Café movement today.
Death Cafés now take place all over the world, offering ordinary people the chance to share experiences, ask questions and gently normalise conversations about mortality. It isn't a counselling or bereavement group, but you're warmly welcome if you are bereaved.
In Nailsworth, the Death Café is co-hosted by volunteers Jane Diamond and Tracey Clements every two months at: The Canteen, Nailsworth, GL6 0DU Wednesday 25th March, 7.30–9.15pm (arrive a little earlier to buy a drink) Free to attend, no need to book – just turn up To find out more about the Death Café movement visit @deathcafe or the website, or contact Jane using the details on the poster.

Transform into a socially & environmentally responsible business – is B Corp certification for you?

25/03/2026 10:00am - 11:00am
Camilla Barnes, SBN Member is going to be giving an in-person workshop on "Transform into a socially & environmentally responsible business – is B Corp certification for you?" at The Growth Hub Stroud next Wednesday 25 March 10-11am. If of interest What you will learn? 💚 The concrete benefits that a B Corp certification can have on your organisation. With real-life examples. 💪 The exact steps that you need to go through to certify B Corp 👉 How B Corp compares to other sustainability frameworks e.g ISOs, Ecovadis ✅ Understand if B Corp is for your business

Find out about B Corp certification

Introducing Cotswold Letterpress

SBN Member Pauline Roberts

As a new business to the group, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Cotswold Letterpress. We are printers based in Wotton-under-Edge, and the company was founded by my late husband. We specialise in a wide range of commercial print, using both digital and lithographic processes to deliver efficient, high-quality results. Alongside our commercial work, we continue to take great pride in producing beautifully crafted letterpress printing, including hot foil blocking, embossing and thermographic (raised) print. As an introductory offer to fellow members, we are pleased to offer 10% off your first order of business cards or flyers. Our current business card prices are as follows (single-sided): 50 cards – £23.00 less 10% 100 cards – £25.00 less 10% 150 cards – £26.00 less 10% 200 cards – £27.00 less 10% If you would like to discuss any upcoming print requirements, I would be delighted to help. I look forward to working with you. Pauline Roberts Cotswold Letterpress Ltd

pauline@cotswoldletterpress.co.uk
www.cotswoldletterpress.co.uk
Tel: 01453 843571

In other news...

Cotswold Collective App

A handy App – information from Camilla Barnes

See this amazing app Cotswold Collective which gives you rewards for buying locally in Glos

You might want to sign up to it as a business if you provide B2C products or services. Or just as a consumer! It works both ways.

Share far & wide! https://cotswoldcollective.co/

N.B. if you’d like to sign up to it as a business, let me know and I can introduce you to the ladies running it – Camilla

Together Gloucestershire

from Camilla Barnes

And if you are B2B, I recommend looking at & maybe signing up to this Glos database which links small biz to the big companies in Gloucestershire:

https://www.togethergloucestershire.co.uk/

The Gloucestershire Food & Drink Growth Lab

Join us for a hands-on growth session that feels genuinely different.

LAST CALL TO ALL FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCERS!

Only 4 spaces remain!

Join us for a high-impact, expert-led morning designed specifically for food and drink producers who want practical, focused support to help move their business forward.

Rather than a traditional exhibition or show, this will be a working growth lab. You will each have your own table, but instead of just displaying products, you will bring the real building blocks of your business with you, for example –

Products and branding
Packaging and positioning
New ideas or routes to market
Financials and pricing
Business plans or growth challenges

You will then have a series of scheduled 20-minute sessions with a curated group of experts (e.g. branding, retail, finance, marketing, operations, scale-up, etc.). Each expert will receive a producer brief in advance, so they arrive fully prepared with context and can provide focused, practical, and relevant advice. The format is designed to be:

Highly practical
Fast-paced and focused
Packed with quick wins and next steps
Directly aligned to each business’s plans and growth ambitions

This is a hands-on growth session that feels genuinely different and high-value for the Gloucestershire food & drink community.

Tickets: Only £10 (Subsidised thanks to Made in Gloucestershire, The Growth Hub, and Gloucestershire County Council).

This event is proudly supported by Made in Gloucestershire, The Growth Hub and Gloucestershire County Council, ensuring accessibility for all businesses in the region.

Book Here

FSB Connects launches in Gloucestershire

We’re delighted to announce that FSB Connects is coming to Gloucestershire this March, and you’re invited!

Vantage Point Business Village Cafe
Thursday 19 March, 10:30am – 12:00pm

This new networking event, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and BizSpace, is designed to bring together our vibrant community of small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs – not just within the Forest of Dean, but across the county.

Whether you’re newly established, scaling your operations, or simply looking to connect with like‑minded professionals, this relaxed morning meetup is the perfect opportunity to expand your support network.

What to Expect

The session will be hosted by Mike Gibson, FSB Membership Advisor, who will be sharing insights into the support, resources, and opportunities available to local businesses. Throughout the morning, you’ll have the chance to:

Connect with fellow business owners from a wide range of sectors
Build new relationships and exchange ideas
Discover local business support and guidance available on your doorstep
Enjoy informal conversations that could spark new collaborations or opportunities

If you’re seeking new partnerships, want to raise awareness of your business, or are simply looking for a welcoming space to meet others who understand the challenges of running a small business, this event is the place to be.

Join Us

Be part of the very first FSB Connects Gloucestershire event and support your fellow business minds!

Growth Hub Events

The Growth Hub Cirencester

Client magnet bootcamp – The Growth Hub Gloucestershire

18/03/2026 9:30am – 12:30pm

The Growth Hub Forest of Dean

Overview ⋮ FSB Connect Gloucestershire ⋮ The Federation of Small Businesses ⋮ Events

19/03/2026 10:30am – 12:00pm

The Growth Hub Stroud

Transform into a socially & environmentally responsible business – is B Corp certification for you? – The Growth Hub Gloucestershire

25/03/2026 10:00am – 11:00am

Next Meeting Dates:

Member Meetings:

March Members Networking Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday 26 March
🕤 Time: 9.30 – 11.00 am
📍 Location: Minchinhampton Golf Club Stroud GL6 9BE

Speaker: Su Chard – The Fig Tree

Su Chard, coordinator of The Fig Tree in Stonehouse, will share stories of connection and friendship during its first five years.

If you enjoy Café Hope on BBC Radio 4, you won’t want to miss this inspiring talk about the quiet work at the heart of The Fig Tree that is making a real difference in the community.

👉 Come along and join us

Featuring speaker Su Chard of The Stonehouse Fig Tree – A place to connect

April Members Networking Meeting

Date: Thursday 30 April
Time: 9.30 – 11.00 am
Location: Minchinhampton Golf Club Stroud GL6 9BE

Speaker: Matilda Treverton-Jones of Core & Co, Core Cycle Nailsworth and Elkstone

We are delighted to welcome Matilda, founder of Core & Co and Core Cycle, a boutique fitness studio in the heart of Nailsworth specialising in reformer pilates, barre and spin classes.

Now in its second year, the business continues to grow. Matilda has expanded the original studio, recently opened a second location in Elkstone, and has also just welcomed her first baby.

Matilda’s business journey is an inspiring one. She will share how she spotted a gap in the market, transformed an old building into a beautiful studio space, and created a supportive environment where women feel comfortable, motivated and encouraged in their fitness journeys.

👉 Join us for what promises to be an inspiring and energising morning.

May Members Networking Meeting

Date: Thursday 28 May
Time: 9.30 – 11.00 am
Location: Minchinhampton Golf Club Stroud GL6 9BE

Speaker: watch this space..

We are currently finalising the details for our May guest speaker and look forward to sharing more information very soon.

Our speaker sessions are always a highlight of the meeting, giving members the chance to hear inspiring stories, learn from other women in business and spark new conversations.

As always, there will be plenty of time for informal networking, catching up with familiar faces and meeting new members.

👉 Join us for a friendly and supportive morning of networking.

Curio Meetings

Date: First Thursday each month (but check our calendar for dates)
Time: 9.30 – 11.00 am
Location: Curio Lounge, 9-11 King St, Stroud GL5 3BX

12th March

9th April

14th May

11th June

9th July

13th August

10th September

Need more information have an article to share?

Email: enquiries@stroudbusinesswomen.org.uk
news submissions: news@stroudbusinesswomen.org.uk

Newsletter March 2026