About 1230

About Jackie Groundsell and how 1230 TWC started

Jackie Groundsell is MD of the highly successful women’s networking business, 1230 The Women’s Company Ltd.  

Launched in August 2002, 1230 TWC is the leading business women’s network providing on and off-line trading and business growth opportunities across the UK and overseas at local level. This dynamic business helps women make the connections and find the support that they need in their business lives;  to meet locally in the Business High Street, share experiences and work together to grow their businesses through regular vibrant, buzzy meetings.

Whilst the main focus of the meetings is networking, 1230 TWC also provides training and learning through workshops and guest speakers, an annual conference and charity supporting events.

The Story
In early 2001 a very reluctant Jackie was dragged to her first meeting of women in IT.  At that point not a great one for "all women events", and although it would seem an exaggeration for just one meeting, very quickly during that meeting Jackie fully appreciated the value and potential of women’s networking.  “It was a real eye-opener!  In women-only environments women network far more naturally - sharing and supporting.  Something I'd not experienced in other business gatherings.”

Sharing an office in the City, her own network of all-female support grew quickly and organically; an ever-increasing number of women who worked in the City, getting together for lunch once a month to chat and support each other in business. The then Bromley Chamber of Commerce asked for her help and so 1230 TWC Bromley was launched – creating business growth with buzz not just for herself now, but also for other business women.  So hugely successful was this second group that soon women were asking if they could run 1230 TWC meetings in their own areas.  An interview and training programme was developed to grow a team of 1230 TWC Hosts.  1230 The Women’s Company was truly launched!

Given that many business women are squeezed at either end of the day with family commitments, lunch-time meetings proved to be the most convenient time of day for many. 

Jackie
For Jackie, this is a personally inspiring and satisfying business: “Being able to see the synergies and connect businesswomen, to see the “eureka!” moment that 1230 TWC training and networking provides as their businesses grow, is so rewarding;  I am exceptionally fortunate to be in a business that I just love.”

Jackie knows only too well the challenges and pressures faced by today’s business women;  meeting various personal challenges in her own life has given her great empathy with the wonderfully inspiring business women she meets and supports.  “I would say my can-do attitude and ability to talk are two of my greatest personal assets. I’m always up for a challenge!”   Jackie continues to run her IT training company as well as public speaking and is constantly inspired by the businesswomen she meets through her networks.

Limiting her advice to just 3 points, Jackie’s advice to other women looking to develop their own business is simple:

1. Always research what you’re doing, see what other people are doing and look for the opportunities.
   
   
2. Always listen to your gut instinct
   
   
3. And finally,
   Enjoy what you do.

Seems like a simple recipe that, coupled with a positive attitude and a well-employed "gift of the gab", has taken Jackie a very long way

More details on the web site if you’d like to find out more about networking opportunities in your area.. You can also follow Jackie on Twitter @1230jackie @1230KISS Facebook  LinkedIn

Jackie is always pleased to hear from you and if you would like to know more about being a 1230 TWC Host in your area, just email meetings@1230.co.uk

1230KISS is a place for Twitterviews with Jackie Groundsell  of 1230 The Women’s Company  Follow @1230KISS each Friday at 10.30 am to learn more about 1230 TWC Members and Special Guests – a great place to let others know about you and your business!

Countrywide | Dynamic | Independent | For All Women