Cally Robson, Coach and Founder of She's Ingenious!

The successful launch of the Association of Women with New Product Ideas and Inventions (ShesIngenious.org ) went ahead to much acclaim at the British Library Business & IP centre on Thursday 18 June 2009.

Cally Robson, Product Development Coach and founder of ShesIngenious.org, was joined at this event by high profile guest speakers and ‘ladies who launch' in celebration of the occasion.  The launch of  ShesIngenious.org marks the beginning of a new holistic approach to the innovation process; from patenting new ideas through to taking the products to market.

Speakers at the launch included Cally Robson, Rasheed Ogunlaru, Nick James and Deb Leary OBE

Aimed at developing the ideas of women entrepreneurs, ShesIngenious.org is the first  organisation to specifically offer help and advice to suit women's business needs; taking into account the commitments and values that female designers and inventors often have, such as caring for the family, self-development, innovating for social good and contributing to household income.

Cally Robson, founder of ShesIngenious.org said: “There's a revolution going on in business worldwide.  Today's ingenious women are recognising that, with an Internet connection and the right support, there are huge opportunities to make something of their new ideas for profit and common good, without compromising their values and commitments”.

The event became an impromptu product showcase for some ingenious ladies

“There's a boom in the number of women commercialising their problem-solving ideas as the Internet opens up access to resources and markets from the home computer. Women are looking to build alternative and flexible income streams to weather the recession and secure their financial futures.”

Deb Leary OBE, award-winning inventor and CEO Forensic Pathways Ltd and supporter of ShesIngenious.org said: ”As someone who has experienced that ‘eureka moment' and taken that initial idea through to a marketable product and gone on to build a company, I know how lonely that journey can be and that it requires not only practical abilities, but also a good deal of emotional strength.  The opportunity to share, meet with others, ask questions and get answers, and feel safe to deal with both the practical and emotional journey is invaluable.  For me these networks weren't available and this is why I am so proud of my association with ShesIngenious.org – helping others on the journey is always a privilege.”

  

She's Ingenious Members Zandra Johnson and Sue Bell took the opportunity to network

Gabrielle Rose, Business Engagement Manager at the British Library said: “We are really excited about the opportunities that ShesIngenious.org will be providing to women in the future. There is a real gap in the market for this kind of support and expert advice. Cally is helping to encourage innovation and support women who are designing or inventing new products. I have no doubt that this will be of great benefit to the users of the Business & IP Centre as well as further afield.”

Ends/

Notes to editors

• Cally Robson available for interview
• www.ShesIngenious.org
• ShesIngenious.org case studies available to media

ShesIngenious.org acknowledges that women developing innovative products and business ideas often have very different support needs to start-ups and small companies that government-funded business advice targets.

She's Ingenious! Member Laura Templeton showcased Take Shapes, an innovative dementia assessment game, for the first time

New web technologies allow a library of informative and inspirational video and audio recordings to be posted on ShesIngenious.org for women to access from home – when it suits them.

ShesIngenious.org offers face-to-face networking and events in combination with live webinars and teleseminars, meaning women can network, connect with peers and get support online, around their busy schedules.

The ShesIngenious.org community serves and represents the growing numbers of women who are coming up with innovative products and services, and using the Web to develop and promote them.

The Association's website is the central hub of the community, run with the aim of providing practical support and guidance, networking, know-how and inspiration to women who are commercialising their innovative product and business ideas across the UK and beyond.

The British Library Business & IP Centre

 

Monthly She's Ingenious! networking meetings will take place at the British Library BIPC

The British Library Business & IP Centre is supported by the London Development Agency (LDA) to provide a single access point to support entrepreneurs and SMEs in London to gain access to and exploit existing and new business and IP information, and other relevant content and data, guided by impartial Library information experts and associated partners.

The Business & IP Centre has been used by over 90,000 people since it opened in March 2006. An independent survey of 230 users in 2007 showed that it helped create 47 new companies, took a further 48 to start-up and helped create 115 new jobs. Access to the Centre is free, but users need a Reader Pass.  For more information visit: www.bl.uk/bipc