News from our partners: Listen to TV presenter Laura Woods and other inspirational figures this International Women’s Day
Celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March 2023 at High Grosvenor House, Bridgnorth.
An event is being organised in collaboration with Shropshire businesswoman, Hollie Whittles, the Marches Growth Hub (Shropshire), Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.
Running from 11.45am until 2.30pm, the event will bring together amazing speakers who will share their stories, insights and expertise over lunch and networking.
The event will celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across Shropshire and beyond. Full event details and tickets are available here.
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.
Laura Woods
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, Alex Scott, Roy Keane and Eni Aluko.
Laura will be speaking virtually at the event.
High Street champion Sally Themans
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’ from 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.
Michelle Ohren
Detective Inspector Michelle Ohren
Michelle has over 26 years service in West Midlands Police, and is currently the deputy senior investigating officer for the UK’s largest human trafficking and slavery investigation.
Not only this but Michelle is also a Director of the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre, a Home Office initiative which aims to support organisations with security improvements.
Hear more from Michelle and her leadership journey at the event.
Hollie Whittles, Shropshire businesswoman, 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.”
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.”
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 #EmbraceEquity, and I hope events such as this can bring together women and our allies to believe and understand that gender equity isn’t just something we talk or write about, but something we collectively try to address.”
Michael Goodall from the Federation of Small Businesses shared:-
“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.
