From technophobes to technophiles female entrepreneurs show theyre tech savvy pass it on...

Survey released as UKs first, free, female entrepreneur networking forum and expo launches in London

London (PRWEB) January 19, 2004 --The UK female entrepreneur is in her early 30s, tech savvy, well connected and thrives on risk, according to a survey released today by Aurora, the UK's largest business women's network.

The survey of 2000 Aurora members conducted for BT found that female entrepreneurs were a tech savvy bunch with 66% owning a portable data device and 99% knowing exactly what broadband was and what it could bring to their business.

28% of women in business use friends, family and other women for the technology and telecoms advice according to the survey in which women running their own businesses were asked about their attitudes towards computers and technology. Other sources of information included a Consultant -- 17%, Internet 17% and Businesslink -- 8%.

Whilst half of the women running their own business worked from home (50%) (44% office based, 4% client premises, 2% on the road), 58% were actively using broadband for their business with just 9% saying that they hadnt even considered it.

23% of those who do not use broadband said it was because it wasnt available and 21% said it was cost. Interestingly less than 1% of those who did not have broadband said it was because they didnt understand it.

However 87% of women surveyed said that investment in broadband is and would be vital to their business in the future.

The results of the survey are released as Aurora launches the first ever, free monthly networking events and expos specifically for the growing numbers of female entrepreneurs.

The new women owned business forums will begin on 9th February at BT Centre in the City and are expected to host over 300 female entrepreneurs per event. Each event will bring together women who have just started their businesses with women owning and running SMEs and multi-million pound companies, to share experiences, discuss issues and pass on advice.

The events will also enable companies to showcase their products and services to other female run businesses in the first expo of its kind.

Glenda Stone, CEO Aurora Gender Capital Management and Founder of the Aurora Womens Network comments: 'Fempreneurs cannot afford not to be savvy when it comes to technology and telecoms. It is the lifeblood of their business. Interestingly, women tell other women where to go, what to buy and who to talk to about the technology rather than consultants, accountants, lawyers or even their own supplier. At networking events such as ours, we have seen women helping each other to achieve the best positions, choose the right suppliers and make the best deals."

And major international corporations such as BT and PWC, as well as GE Capital, HSBC, Blackberry and Globix are realising the benefits of hosting and supporting Auroras networking events and reaching out to the key influencers of 2004.

Glenda Stone continues: Were delighted that companies such as BT, Blackberry, GE, PwC, HSBC and Globix are taking such a proactive position on supporting womens networking. Companies adopting a complacent `wait and see' attitude to understanding female markets, may find it difficult to secure womens attention."

Aurora Women-Owned Business Expo & Networking Forum
What:    The nation's largest monthly women business-owner expos & key speaker/networking event. Audience is 300+ women entrepreneurs and suppliers, with women's businesses exhibiting in the expo.
Where: BT Centre, Newgate Street, St Pauls, London EC4, England UK
When:    Monday 9 February 2004
Tuesday 16 March 2004
Tuesday 20 April 2004
Wednesday 26 May 2004
Tuesday 22 June 2004
Tuesday 20 July 2004
Tuesday 21 September 2004
Wednesday 20 October 2004
Thursday 18 November 2004
Tuesday 14 December 2004
Register: http://www.network.auroravoice.com/events.asp

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About Aurora Gender Capital Management
Aurora Gender Capital Management is an international organisation working for the advancement of women. Auroras focus is to advance womens corporate careers, accelerate women owned business and assist companies become employers of choice for women.

Aurora offers a number of services for women and businesses including www2wk (where women want to work) an international service enabling women to research and compare companies to work for, and for businesses to research, rate and rank their performance in attracting and retaining female talent.

For further information about Aurora Gender Capital Management or to attend any of the Aurora networking events, please contact:

Rebecca Oatley
Cherish PR
07970 655913
Rebecca.Oatley@cherishpr.com

Katie Sheppard
Cherish PR
07803 118956
katie.sheppard@cherishpr.com