FAQ

Do you have to join PBN before you can attend a meeting?

No. Guests are welcome to come to up to two meetings to enable them to find out a little bit more about the network before making a decision on whether to join.

Who can join?

PBN is open to any woman pursuing a career in commerce, industry or the professions. Members are managers in the public and private sector, owners and directors of an enterprise, sole traders, professionals and consultants – in fact anyone who hopes to widen her networking circle and keep up to date with business developments in Perthshire and Scotland.

How often does the group meet?

Meetings are held monthly, usually on the last Wednesday of the month and are a mix of lunchtime networking meetings, sometimes with a speaker, and evening meetings which focus on a business or personal development topic.

Where are meetings held?

Meetings are held at venues throughout Perthshire, sometimes at members’ premises. Usually lunchtime events take place at a restaurant in Perth.

What happens at meetings?

Typically, networking and lunch or supper is followed by either a speaker or an activity. Recent speakers have included the Chief Constable of Tayside Police and a radio presenter based in Dunkeld. Other activities have included Bollywood dancing and a Christmas Bazaar at which members had the chance to showcase their products.

What are the benefits of networking through PBN?

Meeting local businesswomen, letting them know about your business, finding out about theirs, having fun!, easing isolation if you are an owner/manager or sole trader, hearing encouraging success stories from other businesswomen, meetings on useful topics, networking.

Does it work? Have you personally used any services from fellow members as a result of being a member?

Yes, absolutely. I have obtained training and catering services from members as well as patronising some of our retailer members.

Is there any opportunity to meet businesswomen from further afield?

PBN is one of 10 women’s networking groups that is affiliated to the Association of Scottish Businesswomen. Members of PBN are automatically members of ASB and can attend any networking event being held by the other groups throughout the country.

What are the benefits of being affiliated to ASB?

PBN members can enter the annual ASB awards free of charge and have the opportunity to attend the annual work–life balance weekend (which this year is being hosted by PBN at Perth Hydro). ASB is also a member of Prowess, an alliance of organisations and individuals who support women to start and grow business, and the SCDI which allows affiliated club members to attend their events.

What does it cost to join?

There is a £10 joining fee and an annual subscription of £70.

What other benefits do members get?

In addition to the chance to attend meetings, benefits include a monthly newsletter, in which you can include an article about your business for free, inclusion in a directory of members, discounts from other members and the opportunity to promote your business at meetings.

What plans do you have for the future?

We are currently redeveloping our website, which will among things allow members to book and pay for meetings online. We are also considering introducing a mentoring programme. At the national level there are plans for ASB to become affiliated with many more businesswomen’s groups and to influence policy in areas that the affect the business environment.