Assist Podcast Club Host
I am the managing director of Charm Productions UK Ltd. An entertainment production company based in Redcar & Cleveland and performing shows nationwide. I have been working in performing arts professionally for over 10 years in stage, radio, TV & Film. My varied experiences have provided the most valuable lessons that I have taken on board in running my own business for the last 3 years.
Many of our shows are female centric and our creative team is entirely made up of women making our voice in the entertainment industry very unique. We focus, as a company, on creating opportunities for performers and industry creatives within the Tees Valley.
I first became part of Assist around two years ago. My business was very new and I had very few female business role models to look to. Assist not only provided networking opportunities and a wealth of advice but a sense of female empowerment and connection.
The thing I love most about the Assist Women’s Network is how diverse our network is. In any meeting or event you will find the most inspiring and talented women you’ve ever met coming together to improve business connections within the region.
As the Tees Valley continues to improve and expand in business and the eyes of the national stage, I have huge hopes that further opportunities can be created for women of all ages and backgrounds to share their skills and talents with the world.
I found Assist through a love of books and a desire for personal development but what I discovered was so much more. Whatever you come to Assist for it will benefit all aspects of your life; personal, professional and community. It is positive action for women on Teesside to support and empower each other and most importantly, to thrive. Why would you not want to be a part of this?
Hayley Mclean – Anderson Barrowcliff LLP
Audit Manager
Having struggled for a while to find a womens network in Teesside, i stumbled across of the Assist events by chance. How happy i am that i did. Ann and the team make the networking fun and relevant, informative and comfortable. I've made several really good business connections, but mostly i've met some great women who i know i could turn to for advice, or even just to meet for a coffee. We all face the same issues within business and personally and the Assist meet's allow collaboration, suggestion, support and smiles. Thank you Assist x
Katie Kendall – Hays Recruitment
Manager
Since joining Assist I have been invited to events including Hidden Women of Teesside, where I had the chance to network with local business women and build contacts. I felt very welcomed and part of something supportive of where I'm at today and what I'm trying to achieve. I now have an experienced mentor for the next year to help me focus and build my dreams. Lastly I was invited to the Assist Christmas meal which was amazing as being self-employed and a small grassroots organisation, it can get lonely so I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with other women feeling the same way and trying to achieve great things.
Annalice Argyle – Trac UK (Teesside)
Independent Recovery Advocates and Consultants & Lobster Recovery
Assist is a great place to meet, connect and collaborate with businesswomen from across the Tees Valley. It's welcoming and informal atmosphere for networking, combined with the diverse range of business topics it addresses on behalf of its members is both interesting and informative. This winning combination means i learn something new each time i attend and its why i keep coming back.
Carol Kerr
Business Consultant
