Published: February 12th, 2023
An event to celebrate International Women’s Day is being organised in collaboration with the Marches Growth Hub, Shropshire businesswoman, Hollie Whittles, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.
The event, on Wednesday 8 March at High Grosvenor House, Bridgnorth, will run from 11:45 until 14:30 and bring together amazing speakers who will share their stories, insights and expertise over lunch and networking.
It will celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across Shropshire and beyond.
Who is speaking at the event?
Television Presenter Laura Woods
Laura Woods is the back-to-back SJA Sports Presenter of the Year and one of the leading broadcasters in the sports industry.
Originally starting as a Sky Sports runner in 2009, Laura worked her way through various roles in the TV industry, from editorial assistant to producer and first started presenting behind-the-scenes darts interviews.
She is the host of talkSPORT Breakfast, one of the most listened to shows in the UK and regularly works with high-profile brands and interviews with the biggest names in worldwide football.
Laura has broken the mould in a male-dominated sector, and since 2018 has become a regular onscreen, working alongside the likes of Gary Neville and Roy Keane.
Laura will be speaking virtually at the event.
High Street champion Sally Themans
Sally Themans runs Good2Great, a business growth support organisation, with her husband Johnny and has been recognised as one of the UK’s ‘Business Heroes’ by The British Chamber of Commerce.
Sally works with a variety of organisations across Shropshire and beyond to provide them with a multitude of business support and to help them achieve their business dreams.
As a proud champion of small and medium businesses, Sally also voluntarily runs community initiatives such as ‘Love Bridgnorth’ which supports the retail community with ‘shop local’ campaigns and activities.
Detective Inspector Michelle Ohren
DI Ohren has over 26 years’ service within West Midlands Police and is currently the deputy senior investigating officer for the UK’s largest human trafficking and slavery investigation.
She is also a Director of the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre, a Home Office initiative which aims to support organisations with security improvements.
Shropshire businesswoman, Hollie Whittles said: “This is the fifth year running that we have organised an event to celebrate Shropshire’s businesswomen. We’re always looking at fresh ways to bring the event to life and this year the focus will be hearing fabulous speakers whilst enjoying lunch in a beautiful setting in the heart of Shropshire.”
Emma Chapman, Marches Growth Hub Shropshire manager said: “International Women’s Day is such an important day in our calendar and a real opportunity to reflect on some of the incredible women within our organisation, and within our communities across Shropshire.
“In every pocket of our society, there are strong, successful women who achieve amazing things, and challenge stereotypes and biases along-the-way.
“The International Women’s Day theme for 2023 is Embrace Equity, and I hope events such as this can bring together women and our allies to believe and understand that gender equality isn’t just something we talk or write about, but something we collectively try to address.”
Kelly Riedel, Shropshire Chamber’s events manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help bring this power-packed line-up to Shropshire, which has real variety and gravitas.
“Despite operating in completely different fields of business, the guests all have one thing in common – they’re experts in their field with a determination to succeed, and a can-do attitude. It promises to be a truly memorable and inspirational occasion.”
Michael Goodall from the FSB said: “FSB research has shown that women owned and women-led businesses contribute more than £220bn GVA to the nation’s economy and support almost a quarter of all UK employment. So I am delighted that once again, here in Shropshire we are highlighting the achievements and aspirations of our female entrepreneurs as part of International Women’s Day 2023.”
Tickets for the event are £20 and include a two-course lunch. Full event details and tickets are available here.
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