A BOLTON businesswomen’s networking group is expanding across the North-west after launching its franchise model earlier this year.

By the end of 2018, Unique Ladies Networking will have nine groups based in Manchester city centre, Stockport, Bolton, Wigan, Chorley, Hyndburn, Preston, Liverpool and Blackpool.

Founder Suzy Orr plans to more than double that amount across the region by the end of 2019.

Unique Ladies was started in Wigan in 2015 after the businesswoman became disillusioned with existing women’s networking groups. “I wanted a group which didn’t involve expensive membership fees and which provided inspirational speakers as well as genuine networking opportunities,” she explained.

The formula worked and, after launching her monthly meetings at the Lancashire Manor Hotel in Pimbo, near Wigan, Suzy moved the meetings to Bolton and the former Macron Stadium, now the University of Bolton Stadium. Here, the local group still meets on the first Friday of each month.

She then launched new groups in Manchester and Preston and this year began working with Forbes Solicitors to create a working franchise model.

“I realised I was spreading myself very thinly over the groups and wanted to grow the business,” explained Suzy. “So franchising definitely seemed to be the best way forward.”

As soon as she launched her franchise, there were inquiries from all over the region to establish new Unique Ladies’ groups elsewhere.

“I’ve been delighted with the interest shown in the franchise,” she stated. “Because I’ve been approached by so many women to open new groups in different towns, I’m expanding the business further next year.

“The success of both Unique Ladies and the franchising model proves, not only that women appreciate the value that networking brings to their business, but that that there is a great appetite for the groups and for this particular business opportunity”.

The newest groups will open in Stockport on September 12, in Wigan on September 27, in Hyndburn on September 28 and in Chorley on October 3.

For more details go to http://uniqueladies.co.uk