THE FOUNDERS of the Female Business Festival have secured Google Digital Garage as one of their star attractions for this year’s event.
North West-based Janine Friston, Suzi Brown and Hazel Woodward are set to host the festival and accompanying awards night at the Victoria & Albert Hotel in Manchester city centre on Friday, 20 October.
Also confirmed to appear is BBC Dragons’ Den winner and Tiny Box Company founder Rachel Watkyn (pictured), who has built a £10m business with more than 100 staff.
“Rachel’s hugely inspiring story will, I am sure, resonate with female business owners from across the region,” said Janine, who is from Sale.
“During this current cost of living crisis, we felt it was important to invite Google along to teach attendees how to use its free digital tools to grow their businesses.
‘Industry experts in finance, money mindset and marketing will also be taking part in our panel discussions, so that people can take positive, practical steps straight away.”
The festival, now in its second year, coincides with the birthday of the Female Business Network, which Janine founded in October 2021.
In addition to networking opportunities, there will be a showcase of expo stands – featuring female-owned businesses from across the North West.
Suzi, who is the owner of The Smart Bear Digital, said expressions of interest from event sponsors and stall holders are currently welcomed.
“We are delighted to have Rachel Watkyn as our keynote speaker, as well as other inspiring female entrepreneurs from the worlds of small business, finance, investment, podcasting, marketing and PR. These founders and leaders share our values around supporting women to excel in business.”
The festival will take place from 9.30am to 3.30pm, followed by a gala dinner and the presentation of the Female Business Awards from 7pm onwards.
“We look forward to celebrating the best in UK female entrepreneurship,” said Hazel, who is from Urmston and the owner of Lift Social.
“Nominations are currently being invited for hard-working, inspiring women – from ‘Rising Stars’ who are just starting out to trailblazing industry leaders.”
With a shared mission to bring the festival back bigger and better in its second year, Janine paid tribute to her fellow founders.
“Hazel, Suzi and I are so proud of what we achieved last year in Urmston. With a new city centre location; a billion-dollar brand in Google on board; and a line-up of leading industry speakers, we are delighted to grow this event – and to be supporting other female-owned businesses to do the same.”
Debbie Weinstein, Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland, added: “Digital technologies are truly transformative and can help businesses and individuals across the UK to increase their earnings, boost their productivity and unlock their full potential.
‘As a former business owner myself, I understand how tough it is to know where to turn to for advice. That’s why we’re providing hands-on support as part of our nationwide digital skills drive to help equip more people with invaluable skills that help to create jobs and economic opportunities.”
Festival tickets are on sale through Eventbrite.
For more festival and awards information, visit www.femalebusinessnetwork.co.uk
