Businessmen beware, the entrepreneurial women of the borough are full of innovative ideas and are out in their masses.

New ideas were brought to the table and methods of improving existing services were presented at the Women in Business event at Havering College, in Hornchurch, on Tuesday.

Part of Havering Enterprise Week, it was an all female networking event and played host to a presentation on how to turn yourself into a “thought leader”.

Public relations expert, and director of Essex-based SAG Media, Sharon Gaisie explained that a thought leader is “someone that knows what they’re talking about”.

But once established as a thought leader, she said, your business’s name will gain esteem and be recognised as a trust-worthy brand.

Her speculation on how to achieve this status sparked ideas flying throughout the room.

The proprietor of Hornchurch-based, bespoke product designers Kiss Chase Creations, Sharon Bates, immediately imagined new ideas to promote her business.

While blogging may take up too much time for her, she was open to the idea of employing an intern to boost the company’s reputation for her.

She said: “It’s great to see everybody here. As we’re all so busy in business, it’s great to get out and make contacts.”

Sharon was a finalist in last years Havering Business Awards but there were also fledgling entrepreneurs present.

Karolina Witaszek, 32, of Maybank Avenue, Elm Park, is preparing to launch her luxury baked goods business Karolina’s Kitchen.

With her business still in its infancy, she had many questions but mingling with those more seasoned helped begin to answer them.

She said: “I haven’t started by business properly, I’m still looking at my products and trying to figure ho much to charge.

“But I’ve managed to exchange business cards and promote my products.”

To curry other business-leaders’ favours she brought with her a tray of her own organic baked goods.