Meet the Team

Lindsay Loxley is an independent Financial Advisor for Compass Financial Management LLP, which she founded in 1996. Over the years, she has added 4 other financial services companies to Compass, and with her team deliver top quality financial advice. In addition to Compass, she is the Managing Director and Owner of the thriving and exciting networking company, The Women in Business Network (WIBN), which was founded in 2005, and was subsequently acquired from the founder in 2011.Lindsay was born in Shoreditch, London and at 16 decided she wanted to pursue a career as a Chemist, however, a career in Science was not to be and in the late 1980’s, she was offered an opportunity to train and work in the financial services sector, working for a number of financial service companies. In 1996, Lindsay decided to set-up her own financial services company from a spare bedroom in her home. Today, she works from her 3-story building in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, and uses her expertise and accuracy in-the-field to enable her to deliver the best advice to her many happy clients, which puts her at the top of her game. Lindsay is regularly invited to contribute her thoughts and knowledge regarding women’s roles in the workplace. She has written an article for the “Women in Finance” section of The Independent newspaper on encouraging women into careers in finance. She has also been a guest at the House of Lords and the House of Commons. When Lindsay is not working, she enjoys spending time with her children at her Hertfordshire home.

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Najat joined WIBN in May 2018 on a part-time freelance basis, to help run the WIBN Head Office, support the MD, Franchisees and wider WIBN Membership.  Najat is also co-founder and Director of an ethical, plant-based skincare company, Kooky Botanicals Ltd, which she runs with her sister.

I joined WIBN as a member in 2012 and immediately felt at ease, networking with a group of likeminded women. I have always loved the support in business and the friendships that I have gained through being a member over the years. WIBN networking helped me greatly with my confidence and helped me grow my business on many levels. I love making new connections and when there was an opening to work within WIBN, I didn’t hesitate; I am now excited about running 4 groups of my own and supporting business women in my area. I live with my husband, son and daughter, as well as our two dogs and cat, in a small village south of Milton Keynes. We love family time and living life to the full.

Louise has been a part of WIBN since 2007 when she joined the Hitchin group as a member with her marketing company. A few years later she started to chair the group and in 2013 took on 3 groups in Hertfordshire opening a group in Bedfordshire towards the end of 2013. Her most recent group is in Luton. Louise has been in business for the past 7 years and has built up a wide network of contacts and features regularly on BBC3 Counties Radio. Louise works with her husband Keith and has 2 children. Louise thinks one of the great things about WIBN is the support of the business members both within and across the network. She has members who have been in her groups for 7 years who joined at the same time as she did which is a testimonial for how well WIBN works.

I visited a WIBN launch in 2006 and from the outset it was easy to see how the WIBN approach would work. In the following years, 60% of my Reiki business has been a direct result of my WIBN membership. Having seen the effectiveness of the organisation, I became a WIBN Associate in 2010. Networking is about forging relationships, including educating others about your business so that they can spread the word on your behalf. This works both ways and, with an understanding of their businesses, I enjoy connecting my members with new contacts in order to help them grow. Members join for a variety of reasons – increased sales, personal/professional development, a break from working alone. We work hard to tick all those boxes, providing the members with a supportive environment where experience and expertise can be shared. My aim for every meeting is that everyone leaves having learned something new, gained new contacts or received the support they need to take their business forward.

Having been successful in previous businesses I knew it was time to take on a new and rewarding challenge by getting involved in networking. I was invited to the WIBN group as a visitor and was so impressed by the friendly and supportive business women  from various professions that I did not only become a member but an Associate of Hertford & Ware, Cheshunt, Saffron Walden and Stansted groups. The Women in Business Network (WIBN)  is a Business Networking Membership Organisation for women. Membership is aimed at women business owners and employed decision makers. We also operate a one profession per group policy to ensure that each member is given the best targeted help from the other members of the group. We run structured business meetings and the principle of networking is based on building successful relationships with other members within the group, to share business ideas and create a supportive network.

Lorraine has been involved with WIBN for some time, she originally joined WIBN – Maidenhead, with her own telemarketing business, Catch Telemarketing. Lorraine became more involved with WIBN as the group manager for both WIBN – Marlow and WIBN – Maidenhead and then launched WIBN Reading in June 2011.

Previously working in new product development for a Global company, I bought into the WIBN franchise after made redundant. Having three young children, WIBN fitted well with balancing family commitments. I have had the pleasure of leading and managing WIBN groups in the Northants, Leicestershire & Stamford for over 8 years.  During that time I have met some amazing business women who have made me laugh and smile. Seeing their businesses grow substantially, through their WIBN membership with me, has been fantastic. Some members within my groups have been with WIBN since I launched my groups. So yes, over 8 years of being part of a professional networking group that is unpressured , encourages and empowers women to be the best. The support they give each other is second to none and I am really proud to be associated with them.

Here’s what one of my members said about me : “ Barbara is an outstanding networker and is brilliant at running her WIBN network groups. She fully supports all members, is encouraging, keeps us all in check in the nicest possible way and the meetings are always fun and professional. Thank you Barbara, you really are a gem”.

So if you haven’t networked or even if you have come and see why WIBN works for so many businesses

Having been a part of the WIBN family since 2012 and with over 100 members across her London groups, it’s safe to say that you’re in the hands of a true networking expert when working with Lizzie Phillips. The last 12 months have been Lizzie’s busiest yet as a WIBN associate – A skyrocketing membership that are benefitting from great business opportunities every month and one off events that have included a WIBN conference, speed networking and a cocktail making masterclass proving that you can mix business with pleasure on occasion! Lizzie’s background is in marketing and her previous experience includes working with some of the UK’s biggest names across multiple sectors including Batchelors, Marie Curie and Guide Dogs UK. She now runs Cavara Business Services, a marketing media company with clients serving the corporate jet market in the UK and Europe. Last year saw Lizzie launch her WIBN Stratford group which overlooks the London Stadium, an apt location as she was a dancer in that very arena at the 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony.

I have been involved with WIBN since its creation in 2005 and have seen first-hand how networking has helped to grow many new businesses via influential contacts and referrals. During its structured meeting format and focussed facilitation of business networking, it has become a great ‘go-to’ support network for fledgling and mature businesses.  Relationships forged at WIBN between members can re-ignite or re-direct business activities. Key influencers can become instigators to help drive other businesses forward. Networking at WIBN is a great marketing opportunity for any business, which will produce amazing business results to those ready to embrace it and use it to its full potential.  Understanding how networking helps a business sometimes has to be seen to be believed. Visiting a meeting will give you an insight to how WIBN can become the catalyst, propelling a business forward. Visitors can witness how members work as a team effort to support each other and identify opportunities for each other.  If you would like to visit a meeting and witness for yourself how WIBN can support your business, then call me or email me for more information. I operate WIBN groups in the following locations: Mill Hill, Chelmsford, St Albans, Radlett,  and Welwyn (& Hatfield).  Don’t delay, start your networking journey today! Simply book a visit to a WIBN meeting and you will be surprised how it will help you to grow your business.

Whether you’re just starting out with a new business, or you are well established and looking to expand, WIBN is for you.  My name is Ruth Rood and I organise monthly lunchtime meetings where you are guaranteed a warm welcome. The aim of the meetings is for you to gain contacts, clients and referrals and during the meeting you will have the opportunity to speak for one minute, to say who you are, what you do and the clients you are looking for.  You will also build solid business relationships and you can enhance your own business with the expertise of the other women in the Group.  We are a one profession per group organisation, so take a look at our website www.wibn.co.uk to see if your professional category is available and call me on 07734 709467 or email [email protected] With Groups in Chingford, Harlow, Loughton, Romford, Wanstead and Woodford, I look forward to meeting you very soon.

I attended my first WIBN meeting in 2009, I remember it like it was yesterday I was so nervous at the thought of having to stand up in front of a group of strangers and talk about my hypnotherapy business. However I was hooked on the power of networking from the moment I walked in the door. Fast forward five years, not only did I enjoy that first meeting so much I became a member straight away, eighteen months later I decided to become a franchisee, and today I now look after the largest patch in the capital, running nine of the London groups. Being part of WIBN for me is all about the camaraderie and support from like-minded business women – it’s the conversations you have & the connections you make. My motto at the end of every meeting is quite simply, “If you’re not networking then you’re not working!”

As soon as I went to my first meeting I knew that not only was this the format and ethos I had been looking for but that I wanted to be a part of it and to also encourage others to use networking as the marketing tool of choice. I had tried and researched many networking organisations and had been consistently disappointed. Getting the balance right is everything and WIBN has. It is structured and business focussed but also friendly and informal without being casual. When I first visited in 2010, I was just launching a new career in a largely unheard of category and needed the personal contact and opportunities to build trust and rapport and found that WIBN provides this environment for all – established and brand new businesses. I am fortunate enough to run three really diverse, interesting, upbeat and friendly groups. The first group launched was Kensington and Chelsea in 2011, followed with Colchester then Holborn, and most recently Marylebone. Each meeting is different and invaluable to members and visitors alike; we all take away so much more than just business cards and literature. I can’t think of a better way to do business. For more information or an informal chat, contact me.

I was first introduced to Women in Business by my neighbour who thought it would be ‘right up my street’ – and it was!  The group had just started up in Southend when I joined and it was great to be able to take a break from the loneliness of working on my own, to go and have a lively, supportive meeting with vibrant women who were determined to be successful, whether they were just starting up or had been going it alone for a long time.  There was plenty of laughter and fun along with the serious business of finding out about each other’s professions and passing on referrals and testimonials.  And we shared a delicious lunch – all in the name of work!  Nearly 8 years later, nothing much has changed, except that I am now in the hot seat, chairing the meetings at 5 groups in South Essex.  It is very rewarding to see women grow in confidence and success in business, whilst learning and getting so much back from them myself.

I’m passionate about business, and passionate about supporting business women to becoming successful through networking and seeking out opportunities for each other. I’ve established and run businesses from small single handed start-ups to large global corporations so I understand the challenges that women in business face every day and I’m delighted to be helping WIBN expand into the North West. Having been a member of WIBN down in Surrey I’ve seen first-hand how powerful woman are when they support each other and collaborate in business and I’m really excited to be bringing this power up to Lancashire and Merseyside. Born and bred in the North West it’s great to be coming home!

Siobhán runs her own Business and Career Transition Coaching practice, CATSEYE COACHING both in the UK and in Republic of Ireland. She’s been a member of the South London Clapham WIBN group since early 2014 and chairing it since mid 2015. She’s experienced first hand how networking has helped her professionally from the time she moved from Ireland to New York in 1992, to London in 1999 and more recently back to Dublin (and lets not forget a lot of hard work from herself too). So when she started up Catseye Coaching finding the right networking group became integral for her, personally and professionally.  WIBN ticked all the right boxes as she found, you are not just a member of ‘one’ group but a network of groups spread across the UK (and soon to be Ireland) of like-minded businesswomen with the core value of supporting and empowering each other. Admittedly through the WIBN connections and referrals her membership paid for itself ten times over, more importantly she grew personally. Working for and by yourself can be challenging and sometimes lonely. Knowing you have ‘virtual’ colleagues out there willing to support you where they can, well that’s just PRICELESS. Siobhán’s signature strength is her ability to connect with people at a heart level and through her genuine enthusiasm and energy brings positivity and motivation.  Her motto is “Create value before you extract it, through authentic and genuine engagement.” She’s excited to be bringing WIBN home with her and to meeting all those inspiring women she knows are running this country.

I have been a member since 2012 and knew that WIBN would be a great place to support me when I set up my coaching/training/consultancy business to help people and organisations going through business and career transitions. Being part of WIBN has allowed me to develop and create a better awareness of my business.  It really has been instrumental in building my confidence both personally and professionally. I see WIBN as a great networking vehicle for so many women and their different businesses. Being amongst like-minded women, I want to let more women have the opportunity to become more confident and know they can build a brilliant and successful business. I love networking and being able to connect people.  It’s so rewarding to be able to support other people’s business while building my own.

Nikki has been in sales and marketing for over 20 years in one form or another. Originally working in Travel Management she subsequently moved in FMCG and lately has been a Mentor to a number of small businesses. Passionate about helping businesses reach their full potential, Nikki launched Marketing Mentoring and More which offers outsourced Marketing, Mentoring, Training and Networking specifically for SMES and Soloprenuers. Having been to a number of WIBN meetings as a guest, she was delighted when the current owner of Huntingdon and Ely asked her to take over the groups. As she was already working with two of the members it seemed an ideal fit. Subsequently she took over and launched Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds & Suffolk. Nikki hopes to steer the groups in a new direction and to grow them into a vibrant, fun group of like-minded women sharing best practices from their diverse backgrounds.

Judith runs her own Business Coaching and Accountancy business and knows and appreciates how important it is to have a good networking infrastructure around you. The saying ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ is so very true in the world of business. Networking provides you with an invaluable source of connections that will either directly or indirectly be able to positively influence the success of your business. WIBN allows you to have access to like-minded business women from whom you can get advice on all aspects of your business, and indeed your personal life too. Judith joined WIBN in June 2016 and loved it from day one! Working by yourself, like Judith does, can be lonely and frightening at times. When Judith joined WIBN she quickly realised that she no longer felt alone; literally overnight the ladies around the WIBN table had become her ‘colleagues’ that she could trust and call on for help, advice and moral support. Judith loves everything to do with business, and feels passionately about helping businesses grow and thrive. Having held several high level positions in the NHS, Education and Private Healthcare she knows first hand the challenges that women often face in business.

Having worked as a Police Officer for 16 years, I spent a lot of my career working with Victims of domestic abuse and Teenagers in Secondary Schools in Birmingham. In 2011, I began a more spiritual path in my spare time and have since studied in Life Coaching, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Angel Therapy and am currently studying Clinical Hypnotherapy. I organise Spiritual Events (most for Charity) and am the Co-Owner of an Independent Travel Company. My biggest passion in life, is to help and support Women in becoming the greatest versions of themselves possible. The majority of my Clients are Women, all from a variety of backgrounds. It gives me a real sense of achievement when I am able to support and see how they evolve over time. In order to develop our Travel Company, I went in search of a Women’s Business Network. I came across WIBN and realised that there were no Groups in West Midlands, so I attended a meeting in Manchester and loved the whole ethos and professionalism of how it was run. I decided to seize the opportunity and set up my own WIBN Group. Whilst of course I expect our travel business to build with the help of networking, I want it to be more than that. I want Women to come away from a WIBN meeting feeling empowered, confident and excited about the road ahead, safe in the knowledge that they have genuine support. It can be very lonely in Business, especially for Sole Traders that are maybe just starting out or working from home. Being a part of WIBN not only gives you the opportunity to build your Business Network but also a chance to forge Friendships with like-minded Women in your area.

Catherine Willhoft co-owns WIBN Marlow/High Wycombe and WIBN Maidenhead with her business partner Caroline Romero. Catherine has worked closely with Caroline since 2014, and met by chance via a networking colleague!

Catherine spent many years living and working in the USA  and Singapore; she has 13 years’ career experience in Clinical Research managing pharmaceutical clinical/medical drug trials.  After returning to the UK (2010) and taking a career break to bring up her daughter, Catherine started to put her entrepreneurial skills to the test. She previously owned and managed a domestic cleaning and homecare business, and currently works alongside Caroline at Grey Matters Consultancy, predominantly helping vulnerable old and young people apply and receive the correct benefits they deserve. Grey Matters Consultancy is now offering franchise opportunities and she is involved with this new phase. Catherine also manages a small portfolio of personal rental properties.

Catherine and Caroline are the first dual partner-owned WIBN franchisees and understand the power of networking, especially in an all women arena. Catherine is motivated to support and empower women like ourselves, whether just starting out with a new business or a seasoned business owner wishing to enhance both their personal skills and business acumen.

Please feel free to call Catherine to visit a business group or for a chat about WIBN and the benefits it offers.