BlogEnterprising women celebrated at IoD conference in Stockport

Enterprising women celebrated at IoD conference in Stockport

The North West branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) hosted its eighth annual Enterprising Women conference last week, with a sold-out event at the Plaza in Stockport.

Celebrating the best in female business leadership and talent across the region, this year’s theme was ‘Inspiring Leaders’ with a panel of incredible women including Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Shadow Business Secretary and MP for Salford and Eccles who gave an insight into her political career, achievements and challenges, as well as Jess Moore, Executive Director, Corporate Responsibility at Warner Bros; a pioneer for nurturing talent, Jess spoke of her involvement in Warner Bros’ Creative Talent programme which invests in talented people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to pursue a career in the creative industries.

Other speakers included Kate Willard, Head of Corporate Projects at the Stobart Group and Vanda Murray OBE, who is non-executive director of Manchester Airport Group. Not forgetting the inspirational male voices from the region’s business community, the speakers were also joined by Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman of Urban Splash, who gave his own talk and described an impressive 25-year long entrepreneurial journey.

Speaking at the end of a day-long, successful event, regional IoD director Claire Ebrey, said: “Today was absolutely superb. When we launched the conference this year, we wanted to give our delegates access to a range of brilliant, influential and inspirational experts from across the UK, I really think we delivered on that thanks to an engaging panel, and a proactive audience who wanted to hear what they had to say.

“I believe every attendee has been given a chance to enhance their own organisation, their leadership skills, their business acumen their personal impact in the region and beyond. I thank every single person who was there today and made the event the success it was.”

Latest

Father’s Day gift guide 2026: Best gifts for every type of dad

Father’s Day (June 21) is the perfect time to celebrate the people who make everyday moments feel special.  Whether he enjoys slow mornings with coffee,...

Building safety compliance: A growing concern for developers and investors

Building safety now sits at the centre of property development and investment decisions across the UK. Increased scrutiny from authorities and greater awareness among residents have...

UK SMEs Face Growing Employment Tribunal Threat as Case Numbers Continue to Climb

WARWICKSHIRE, UK, June 11, 2026 – UK small and medium-sized businesses are being urged to review their HR practices as employment tribunal claims continue...

How to choose the right cloud model for your company

Choosing the right cloud model is vital because it will affect performance, security, and cost. You must assess workload requirements, compliance needs and long-term scalability...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Why Creative Judgment Now Matters More Than AI Access

WANDSWORTH, London. June 10th, 2026 - BearJam is highlighting how storytelling ability, aesthetic judgment, and human direction are becoming the key factors that separate...

How reading at an early age can grow your children into smarter adults

Encouraging your child to start reading at an early age means introducing them to creativity and imagination. It’s the period when young children’s brains are...

How video production Manchester can help your business stand out

In a crowded marketplace, getting noticed by potential customers can be a challenge. Businesses need marketing that captures attention, communicates value, and creates a...

Manchester charity helping people with rare genetic condition to receive key donation

A total of £1,548 has been raised to support a vital health charity in Greater Manchester. Worsley-based charity Cure Usher Syndrome will receive the contribution...

More News

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month Marks the Start of Two New Charity Partnerships for Mobility in Motion

During Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Mobility in Motion has announced that it has formed new partnerships with Steel Bones and Finding...

Surprising ways you might be putting your phone at risk

We use our smartphones for everything. Checking traffic, catching up with friends, browsing the sales… they’re our instant source of information. But these devices also provide...

5 Essential health and safety tips for UK workplaces

If you want to keep a UK workplace safe and legally compliant right now, you need to focus on five specific pillars which are...