Female-led businesses and businesswomen gather for International Women's Day event

More than 100 female-led businesses and businesswomen in the Royal Borough gathered for a networking event to mark International Women’s Day last week.

MyRoyalBorough, the council’s business support hub, organised the event for Friday, March 8.

The occasion raised £1,100 for The Dash Charity, which conducts the council’s domestic abuse support service.

Hosted by Windsor & Eton Brewery, the event saw guests treated to inspirational talks from six female guest speakers covering charity, environment, sport, hospitality and mental health.

Speakers at the event were Melania Bellesini, the head sommelier at Fat Duck Group, Nina Hartstone, BAFTA award-winning sound engineer in film, and Tricia Wilkie, the owner of The Mind Hub,

Liz Berry, owner of Creek Paddles who carries out environmental work with Planet Patrol, also spoke at the event as well as Kate Hallett, chair of Windsor Women & Girls Rugby and Wasps player, and Nicola Miller, chief executive at The Dash Charity.

Six female-owned small businesses in the area also showcased and sold their products, and female artists displayed their work in the mezzanine area at the brewery.

Students from the Windsor Girls’ School choir performed for guests in the afternoon and local musician Emma Jane Kennedy provided entertainment in the evening.

The brewery was staffed almost completely by women on the day, and Nikki Lenman, human resources and finance director, gave a welcome speech.

Women from Craft Coop Windsor gave demonstrations during the afternoon and donated specially designed and eco-friendly jute shopping bags.

Councillor Simon Werner, leader of the council and cabinet member for community partnerships, public protection and Maidenhead, said: “This was a fantastic event celebrating the female-led businesses and brilliant businesswomen we have in the borough. My thanks to everyone who attended and to the team at MyRoyalBorough for organising such a successful event.”

Cllr Amy Tisi, Cabinet member for children’s services, education and Windsor who attended the event, said: “The event was huge success, and the MyRoyalBorough team has received lots of positive feedback from those who attended on the day.

“It was hugely important to me to be part of the event and to recognise and celebrate the success of so many inspirational women from our borough as part of International Women’s Day.

“I’m also pleased to see the fantastic amount of money raised for The Dash Charity, which provides valuable domestic abuse support in our borough.

“We’re proud to work with charity, the police, and other partners to support victims and survivors to regain control of their lives.

“I’d also like to thank the Windsor & Eton Brewery for providing the venue, refreshments, and support on the day.”

Nicola Miller, chief executive of The Dash Charity, said: “We were bowled over by the strength of the women – and male allies – in the room at the MyRoyalBorough networking event for International Women’s Day.

“It’s a valuable way to raise awareness of domestic abuse and how to address disclosures in business settings.

“Thank you to everyone who came together to inspire inclusion for women in Berkshire.

“In a society where we’re becoming increasingly aware that domestic abuse affects any gender, we are sadly reminded on International Women’s Day that domestic abuse remains a gendered issue.

“The root cause issues of violence against women are embedded in the historical and cultural unequal status of women in society.

“That status remains unequal in many parts of our society, with lasting impact and far-reaching consequences.”

For more information about the work carried out by MyRoyalBorough to support small businesses in the area, sign up for e-news at: www.myroyalborough.com