Chamber event celebrates women in business

A business networking event in Newcastle has brought together professionals from across the North East to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage greater collaboration and support in the workplace.

More than 100 people attended the Inspiring Women in Business seminar hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce to mark International Women’s Day and support St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

Held at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park last Thursday (March 5), the event aimed to connect and inspire women working across the region’s business community. 

The seminar centred on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, which promotes generosity, collaboration and the positive impact of investing in women.

Speakers included several business leaders who shared insights on career development, leadership and the importance of supporting others in professional environments.

Alison Maynard, deputy principal for curriculum at New College Durham, who shared her career journey from student nurse to Inspiring Women in Business award winner, said: “A culture of trust, collaboration and shared ambition is important within a business. 

“Growth without quality is meaningless, and leadership at this level is never down to one person, it’s about alliance.

“Give before you feel ready. 

“Give yourself a chance and confidence will follow. 

“Give others confidence and give yourself permission to grow bigger and take risks. 

“You will gain a future far beyond the one you've imagined.”

One of the speakers was Catherine Marchant, chief executive of event sponsor Impact Family Services and Connected Families CIC. 

The organisations provide support services for people affected by domestic abuse and family challenges.

Catherine, who reflected on pivotal moments that shaped her career, including the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone and discovering what she was passionate about, added: “As a society we largely measure success by what we've got. 

“But if we measure by what we give, about the time, energy, passion we give, then it would be a much better society, and we’d all gain so much more from that.

“When you’re in a charity it isn’t just a job, our staff are changing lives every single day. 

“The passion and difference we are making is just incredible.

“We are a small but strong team – 90 per cent of the team are women, at least half of which are survivors of domestic abuse.”

The event was hosted by Kay Carrick, development team manager at St Cuthbert’s Hospice and chair of the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership and Social Equity Forum. 

The forum works to support and champion women in business across the North East while helping shape the Chamber’s Inspiring Women in Business programme.

Kay added: “Based on feedback from members, the focus of the next forum will be corporate social responsibility and the impact businesses have on their local community.

“I am delighted this is something that the women working in the North East feel strongly about, together we can ensure that we make changes and increase impact. 

“This will ensure that we have happy, healthy, productive workforces and communities.”

The Chamber’s Inspiring Women in Business Awards are scheduled to open for entries later this year ahead of the ceremony on November 27.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →