WorkWell's Event to Celebrate International Women’s Day with Yorkshire’s Leading Women in Business

Sometimes, the best chats happen when you get a bunch of brilliant people in one room. It’s where ideas spark, and you realise you’re not the only one thinking about the big stuff. That’s exactly the vibe for an upcoming event in Yorkshire, designed to celebrate International Women’s Day.

On Thursday, 5th March 2026, the office provider WorkWell is hosting a special gathering that’s all about connection and conversation. It’s bringing together some of the most inspiring female business leaders from across the region for an event focused on leadership, championing others, and making real progress. This isn't just another business meeting; it's a chance for professionals to share stories, support each other, and talk honestly about what it's like for women in the workplace today. The goal is to create opportunities for genuine networking and to discuss how great leadership can lift everyone up.

What's happening?

This isn't your average work do with stale sandwiches and awkward small talk. The team at WorkWell is putting on this event in Harrogate to get people talking about things that actually matter. The main focus is on 'generosity in leadership'. What does that even mean? Well, think about the best boss or teacher you've ever had. They probably didn't just tell you what to do; they shared their knowledge, gave you support when you needed it, and cheered you on.

That’s generous leadership. It’s about mentoring, sharing what you know, and championing the people around you. This special event aims to explore how this approach doesn’t just help individuals grow, but also strengthens the entire Yorkshire business community. By fostering a culture of support, the event hopes to pave the way for future female leaders and create more opportunities for women in business. The day is set to be a hub for connection, where meaningful discussions can take place among professionals from all sorts of fields.

Who’s on the panel?

You know an event is going to be good when you see the line-up. WorkWell has assembled a seriously impressive panel of businesswomen, each with their own amazing story and expertise. It's like the ultimate team-up of Yorkshire’s most inspiring female leaders. The discussion will be guided by none other than multi-award-winning TV presenter Christine Talbot, so you know the conversation will be top-notch. She'll be leading the discussions on everything from leadership styles to the real-life challenges of inclusion in the modern workplace. Here’s a look at who will be sharing their thoughts:

• Sharon Jandu OBE: The founder of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, she knows a thing or two about building communities and creating opportunities.

• Annabel Tonge: As an Associate Partner at Q5 Partners, she’s an expert in helping businesses navigate change and grow.

• Hana Gwyn: A Partner at LCF Law, she brings a sharp legal mind to the table, understanding the structures that shape the business world.

• Jane Slimming: The Founder and CEO of creative agency Zeal, she’s a powerhouse of creativity and business savvy.

• Jennifer Potter: A Leadership Expert and Executive Coach, she spends her days helping leaders become the best they can be.

Having such a diverse panel means the discussions will cover a lot of ground. These female leaders come from different corners of the business world, so they'll each bring a unique perspective. This variety is key to having rich conversations about gender dynamics, leadership, and how to build a more inclusive workplace for everyone. It's a fantastic chance for attendees to hear from inspiring businesswomen who are making waves across Yorkshire and beyond.

What will they be talking about?

The panel will be getting into some really meaty topics. The conversation is all about having open and honest discussions about what leadership looks like for women today. They'll be exploring gender dynamics, which is just a way of talking about how being a man or a woman can change your experience at work. For instance, do women lead differently? What challenges might they face that men don't?

They’ll also talk about inclusion. A truly inclusive workplace is one where everyone feels they belong and their voice is heard, no matter who they are. The panel will share their own experiences and discuss how to make this a reality, not just a buzzword. Imagine a workplace where mentoring is second nature, and everyone is actively championing each other's success. That's the world this event is trying to build. This focus on practical support is what makes the event so important. It’s about moving beyond just talking about progress and actually creating tangible opportunities for women in business. These discussions are vital for fostering the next generation of inspiring leaders.

Why this event matters for Yorkshire

An event like this does more than just fill a room for an afternoon. It creates ripples. When professionals get together for networking and genuine connection, it strengthens the whole business community. It’s a chance to build a network of support that can help people throughout their careers. For Yorkshire, it highlights the incredible talent in the region and shows a commitment to progress. It’s about creating a business environment where women can thrive and lead. By focusing on themes like mentoring and championing others, the event encourages a more collaborative and supportive culture across all industries. This is how real change happens – one connection, one conversation at a time. It’s a powerful statement about the importance of female leadership in driving success. The support shown at this event for women in business helps create new opportunities and inspires others.

Katie Hughes, Head of Client at WorkWell, really summed it up perfectly. She said:

International Women’s Day is a chance not only to celebrate progress, but to support the next generation of leaders. By sharing our experiences and championing one another, we can create more opportunities for women to thrive. This event is all about connection and provides a chance to meet like-minded people and learn from some of Yorkshire’s most inspiring businesswomen!