More than 100 female-led businesses or businesswomen from the Royal Borough attended a networking event to mark International Women’s Day on Friday.
Organised by MyRoyalBorough, the council’s business support hub, the event raised £1,100 for The Dash Charity, which delivers the council’s domestic abuse support service.
The event was hosted by Windsor & Eton Brewery and guests were treated to thought-provoking and inspiring talks from six female guest speakers covering sport, charity, environment, mental health, hospitality.
The speakers were Melania Bellesini, head sommelier, Fat Duck Group, Nina Hartstone, BAFTA award-winning sound engineer in the film industry, Liz Berry, owner, Creek Paddles who also undertakes environmental work with Planet Patrol, Tricia Wilkie, owner, The Mind Hub, Kate Hallett, chair of Windsor Women’s & Girls Rugby and Wasps player, and Nicola Miller, chief executive of The Dash Charity.
Six female-owned small local businesses were also showcasing and selling their products, while female artists displayed their work in the mezzanine area of the brewery.
Students from Windsor Girls’ School choir performed in the afternoon, and Emma Jane Kennedy, a local musician, entertained guests in the evening. The brewery was staffed almost entirely by women on the day, and human resources and finance director Nikki Lenman, gave a welcoming speech.
Women from Craft Coop Windsor provided craft demonstrations throughout the afternoon and donated specially designed, eco-friendly jute shopping bags.
Councillor Simon Werner, the 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.”
Councillor 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.”
Picture: Photography by Abi Moore