The event – attended by more than 70 people – heard from chamber president Sandra Godley OBE, Taiwo Owatemi MP, Alsters Kelley director Julie McGarrigle and Skewb co-founder Indu Seshadri.
It was based on the International Women’s Day theme of Give to Gain and heard how businesswomen in the region make a positive impact on the local economy.
Sandra Godley OBE said: “We know that women belong in every space where decisions are made. Women belong in leadership. Women belong at the heart of our families, our communities, and our economy.
“And when women rise, remarkable things happen. Businesses grow. Communities thrive. And the next generation begins to see new possibilities for themselves.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and so many of them are led by remarkable women – women who had an idea, chose courage over comfort, and built something meaningful. Because of that, jobs have been created, communities strengthened, and opportunities opened for others.
“But perhaps the most meaningful part of International Women’s Day is remembering that there is someone at the beginning of their journey. Someone who may still be finding their confidence or their voice. And to those people I say: your voice matters; your ideas matter; your leadership matters; and the world needs what only you can bring.”
Indu Seshadri told the gathered audience that more than 55 per cent of Skewb’s core team are women – a rarity for a company working in the utilities sector.
She said: “International Women’s Day isn’t just about the conversations we have, it’s about the actions we take together. When women come together with purpose, we create momentum for real, lasting change.
“I grew up in a small community in southern India where generosity, responsibility and looking out for one another were everyday values. Those early lessons shaped my belief that leadership begins with service.
“When you give someone an opportunity, you give them momentum. When you support someone, you give them strength. And when you invest in someone, you give them a second chance. That’s what inclusion looks like in practice.
“Giving back isn’t a tick‑box exercise. It’s a mindset. It’s about creating space, support and confidence so people can build the futures they deserve.”
Taiwo Owatemi MP added: “Visibility matters. When women are seen in leadership, they show others what’s possible. It stops being the exception and becomes normal.
“It is inspiring to stand in a room full of women who are transforming their communities every single day. Women in business don’t just build companies, they build opportunities, networks, and futures.
“One of the most powerful things we can do is share our vision with one another. When we connect as a community and support each other’s ambitions, we create spaces where women can lead, grow and thrive.”
Julie McGarrigle Alsters Kelley: “Women often underestimate themselves, or don’t immediately recognise the opportunities in front of them.
“Sometimes we need others to see our potential before we can see it ourselves. That’s why days like today matter so much.
“International Women’s Day is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women everywhere. But it’s also a reminder that equality is still not universal. In many parts of the world, women remain unheard, undervalued, or restricted. And that is why we must continue to push for change, not just today, but every day.”
Photo: Hazel Pilling (Chamber), Keely Hancox (Chamber), Sandra Godley OBE (Chamber president), Julie McGarrigle (Alsters Kelley), Indu Seshadri (Skewb)
