Their aim is simple: They exist to help members of the fire and rescue community who put their lives on the line every day to save others, whilst providing support for their families.

They are the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire fighters, fire personnel and their families. Their vision is to make a positive difference by supporting people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need.

Over the years, they have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals by providing world-class treatment and support services.

It costs £9million a year to keep the Charity running and with no government funding they are completely reliant on the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters.

The role of a fire fighter is one of bravery, loyalty and devotion to public service. Just like fire fighters, the charity is passionate about their work and the services they provide to the men and women who risk their lives to save ours.

Please help us make a difference by making a donation via our Virgin Money Giving page. To find out more about what we are doing and why, please visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/BedsBizWomen where you can also sponsor us online.

Don’t forget to tick the box to reclaim Gift Aid on your donation if you’re a UK tax payer. Virgin Money Giving will pass this on in full to charity, making your donation go even further.

Thanks for your support.

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Organised by Bedfordshire BusinessWomen (BBW) and in partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Bedford, Millbrook Venues welcomed professionals from across the region to its unique and exciting events facility, where highly skilled pro-driver, David Charlton took 27 delegates on a track tour around the proving ground.

Guest speakers Steve Ottaway, chief executive of the Road Victim’s Trust, this year’s chosen charity for BBW and James Bayliss from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service gave talks on driving safety, a particularly appropriate topic given this week’s bad weather conditions. Colin Gleghorn, founder and managing director of training company Fourmative, also gave an informative speech about his various experiences of business life and the importance of training.

“We are really pleased with the success of this year’s BBW Man Day event,” said Amanda Murrell, president of Bedfordshire Business Women. “I would like to thank all of our partners and guests who helped us raise more than £740 for our 2013 charity, the Road Victims Trust.

“Millbrook Venues offered us something totally different for this year’s event and enabled us to give delegates much more time to network and increase their new business opportunities.Many of our guests commented on our exciting choice of venue as they arrived on site at Millbrook Proving Ground.

“As we commence the 25th year of BBW, we look forward to offering even more opportunities for our members to receive support and training,” continued Amanda.

Millbrook Venues’ Senior Account Manager, Meena Chander, says “We were thrilled to see so many local businesses at the event, many of whom showed a real interest in the tracks and facilities at our four flexible venues. Working in partnership with local businesses is a key focus for Millbrook Venues and I look forward to welcoming many of those businesses back for future events.”

To talk to Meena and the Millbrook Venues team about your next event call 01525 408330 or email meena.chander@millbrook.co.uk. Alternatively visit Millbrook Venues’ website for further information about all four of Millbrook’s venues.

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Noel Gray later commented, “Thank you again for a brilliant Man Day. It was amongst the best networking events I have attended. And the car ride was the icing on the cake!”

Here are the pictures!

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We had a great event yesterday with over 35 members and guests booked in at the wonderful Embankment Hotel.

Heather Dallas gave us some fantastic tips on setting goals, everyone brought along Secret Santa gifts to help raise money for Road Victims Trust and we all enjoyed some top quality food and networking.

Thank you to the Embankment for their hospitality.

If you missed our very festive event, please make sure you book on to our January Event which will celebrate BBW’s Man Day and include an opportunity to experience all that Millbrook has to offer.

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Well here we are again, the end of another year. Whatever your business, the end of the year is a great time for reflection, and I for one will use it as a time to look back over the past twelve months, consider the highs and lows and review my ambitions and targets. The New Year can even prompt us to make life-changing decisions; as the saying goes “out with the old and in with the new”.

Whatever path you choose to take in 2013, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have good supportive networks, especially if you are in business on your own; to boost you when you feel alone, to offer support and advice through both the good and bad times and to share in the celebration of your successes. Decisions always seem easier when you have someone to bounce ideas off in your personal life, and this goes for your business life too.

We’ve all heard time and time again that anything worth accomplishing is worth fighting for and taking a new direction in 2013 may well be the most rewarding and satisfying thing you have ever done. If you are not enjoying work, if you feel unhappy and have lost the drive and passion for what you do then I urge you to use this time of the year to really take stock and reassess your business, job and personal life, thinking long and hard about what it is you’d really like to do. Think of that ‘gap in the market’ you have spotted, that niche that needs filling and ‘go for it’!

But, if you do decide to make a change and perhaps start up on your own, you need to be aware that running your own business will not be easy. It will test you mentally, physically and emotionally. It will test your relationships and your finances. However, overcoming challenges can give you an incredible buzz, and having the tenacity and resilience, particularly in this economic climate, to seek knowledge, resources, contacts and customer base will pay dividends. Increasing and retaining customers is paramount for our survival, so think about being unique and special and develop sound business values which can be the key to success and satisfaction.

So that is your New Year’s Resolution sorted but we mustn’t forget that Christmas is a time when people think about giving. I believe that as business men and women, we have a genuine responsibility to society, and we are often placed in the fortunate position of being able to give something back. I know I have a very real desire to improve the lives of individuals and ensure that ethical values permeate every aspect of my business. We should all be committed to providing locally-focussed environmentally-friendly products and services wherever possible.

Giving back also includes charitable donations, and which one we choose will depend on our own life experiences, often positive but also sadly, sometimes tragic. The way we donate may be through purchasing charity Christmas cards, running marathons or simply setting up a monthly direct debit to the charity of our choice, all very real ways we can all make a difference to others less fortunate. At Bedfordshire BusinessWomen, we raise funds for a different charity each year, and this year as President, I have chosen The Road Victims Trust who provide an invaluable service locally for all those affected by road traffic accidents, something that is sadly particularly prevalent at this time of year.

One of the ways that we raise funds is at our annual Man Day event to which all Bedfordshire -based businessmen and women are welcome. This takes place on 17th January at Millbrook Proving Ground and promises to be an amazing day. To find out more and register online for an unforgettable and unique network and pro drive experience go to our website http://www.beds-businesswomen.org/ – we do hope you will join us.

Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year to you all – and don’t forget, the Bedfordshire BusinessWomen networking group is a valuable resource – we are here to support women in business every step of the way and help turn your New Year’s Resolutions into reality!

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Wow how quickly time fly’s, it seems such a distant memory when 12 months ago I sat worrying about how I was going to describe my business in one minute, and on top of that I then had to talk to everyone to explain what I did, after all Amanda Murrell Associates Ltd hardly describes my offer! (Just in case you wondered I am a trainer and facilitator working with organisations to increase customer and community participation).

Somehow I managed to agree to be on the committee as membership secretary, when that happened I am not too sure and before I knew it I was the Vice President of Bedfordshire BusinessWomen. It has taken a year to plan, book venues, speakers and agree terms, but now here we are and I am President, it is exciting, worrying and fills me with absolute fear at times, and that is not because I am not a confident person or that I am not capable but I am so passionate about the group and helping everyone to succeed that I am afraid I will not live up to my expectations. I can say without doubt that I will do all in my power to ensure that our members get value for money, take away something from each event and increase their potential income.

We have had a great year increasing our membership from 36 to 125, winning Bedfordshire networking group of the year at the FSB awards, we sponsored categories in the Pride in Bedford and FSB Awards and raised over £23,000 for St John’s Hospice.

I am really pleased that I have chosen the Road Victims Trust to be my nominated charity for the year following a very heart wrenching speech from the founder, Clifton Ibbett at our AGM in September. I hope that with the support of our members we can raise a significant amount for the charity this year.

All of our monthly meetings are booked for the coming year and we have some exciting venues and events planned as we celebrate our Silver Anniversary in 2013.

Check out the website for more information. http://www.beds-businesswomen.org/
Follow us on http://twitter.com/bedsbizwomen
and like our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BedfordshireBusinessWomen

On the 18th October 6.00pm-9.30pm, Mercedes Benz on Ampthill Road will host our Fashion Show with Style Advisor. Clothing will be provided by Sue Pelletier of Sandy a fashion boutique offering a unique and personal shopping experience and a wide range of designer clothing. Style advice from Joanna Shacklock, she will help you grow in confidence and advice on styles to portray your personality to everyone you meet. Do not miss this event as it will be an excellent evening, book via the website.

With the support of all women in business in Bedfordshire I know that we will continue to grow and I look forward to meeting all existing and new members during the coming year.

Amanda Murrell

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