Women in Leadership Women in Leadership conference 2025

Our fifth annual Women in Leadership Conference is just weeks away and it is planning to be another great day, with inspirational speakers, insightful breakout sessions and informative exhibition stands.

The 2025 conference is sponsored by Viatris, a global healthcare company with offices in Hatfield, and Redwood Bank, a specialist business bank based in Letchworth.

This conference is delivered by women, but is not just for women, and will have a focus on equality and inclusivity. The event will showcase a number of influential speakers from a wide range of backgrounds, who will share their stories and reveal what they believe brought them success in their careers and their personal lives.

Date: Friday 7th March

Time: 9am-4pm

Venue: Sopwell House, St Albans

Conference programme includes:

• Two plenary sessions with keynote speakers

• A choice of two breakouts from a total of six sessions

• Awards presentation

• An exhibition

• Numerous networking opportunities

• Breakfast, lunch and refreshments

Women in Leadership Awards 2025

We are introducing a number of awards for businesswomen and the winners will be announced at our 2025 conference. We encourage you to take a look at the details for these free to enter awards, using the link below. Entrants can put themselves forward or nominate a colleague for the recognition they deserve, in one or more categories.

The categories this year are as follows:

Young Businesswoman of the Year

This category is open to businesswomen aged 35 or under (on 1st January 2025). Entrants will demonstrate significant leadership potential and outstanding qualities or performance. This can be in any industry sector or size of business.

Businesswoman of the Year in STEM

This category will recognise businesswomen in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) industries and is open to those who have accomplishments of significance over the past 12 months.

Businesswoman of the Year in Property and Construction

This category will recognise businesswomen in the property and construction sector and is open to those who have attained success over the past 12 months.

Inspiring Businesswoman of the Year

This category recognises the outstanding achievements and contributions of a female business leader who has made a significant impact in her industry. Nominees for this award will have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, innovation and a commitment to excellence over the past 12 months.

Keynote speaker

Jo Fairley

Jo Fairley is a serial entrepreneur, best known for cocreating the Green & Black’s brand in 1991 – the world’s first organic chocolate and the first-ever product to carry the UK Fairtrade Mark. In 2005, Green & Black’s was acquired by Cadbury’s, becoming a global ethical name. Jo remains a Chocolate Ambassador and consultant to the brand.

Jo is in demand as a brand consultant for start-ups and for ethical businesses alongside her own ventures, which have included an organic bakery and natural food store and a nine-room wellbeing centre in her home town of Hastings.

Also a multi-award-winning author and journalist, Jo has written for a wide range of newspapers and magazines from The Times to The Mail on Sunday’s YOU Magazine, and as a Wonder Woman business guru for Telegraph Woman Online. Jo has also appeared as Lauren Laverne’s guest on Desert Island Discs.

Breakout sessions

Laura Pearce, Founder and MD, Strand PR: Lessons from a young entrepreneur and marketing leader

At just 22, Laura founded a public relations firm; now 34, she leads it as a thriving business. Join Laura Pearce as she shares her inspiring journey of resilience, innovation and leadership. Discover how she overcame age and gender biases to carve her space in the industry and learn actionable strategies for building confidence, embracing failure and leading with authenticity.

Headline Sponsor

We are offering the opportunity for one additional company to be headline sponsors of this conference.

Package includes:

• Four free places at the event (Equivalent to £540 + VAT)

• The opportunity to give a ten-minute introductory presentation at the conference

• Your logo featured on the event webpage

• Inclusion in editorial in Inspire Magazine

• Your logo featured on all collateral regarding the event

This session will empower you with insights into women’s unique strengths in leadership and how to navigate challenges in male-dominated fields. Walk away inspired, equipped with practical tools and ready to own your leadership journey with purpose and confidence.

Susie Kaye, MD, Your HR Partner, and Rebecca Fox, Partner, VWV: Women in the Workplace

This “Women in the Workplace” session, offers an insightful exploration of the challenges faced by employers and employees in the evolving employment landscape. This session will address key issues such as combatting sex discrimination, supporting women through menopause, and navigating proposed employment rights under the recent Employment Rights Bill.

Expert speakers, including Employment Lawyer Rebecca Fox and HR Consultant Susie Kaye, will share practical strategies and legal insights. Whether you’re an employer or employee, gain valuable knowledge to foster an equitable and supportive workplace. Don’t miss this empowering session!

Viatris (Speaker TBC): Empowered to Lead: Strategies for Growth & Development

This empowering session will help you proactively recognise and seek out the right support and enablers for your leadership journey as you develop your roadmap for personal and professional growth and success.

As headline sponsor, Viatris is proud to champion and facilitate sharing experiences of women in leadership, recognising that diverse perspectives drive innovation, better decision making and ultimately business performance. Supporting this inspiring Herts Chamber forum reflects their commitment to fostering an inclusive empowered culture and building a healthier more equitable future for all within our communities.

Sponsored by:

• The opportunity to host your own exhibition stand during the conference

• The opportunity to display your own collateral and banner in the main conference hall

• Inclusion in the social media campaign and all marketing regarding the event

£3,000.00 + VAT per sponsor

Breakout Sessions

We are offering the opportunity to sponsor a Breakout Session at this event.

Package includes:

• Two free places at the event (Equivalent to £270 + VAT)

• The opportunity to deliver a 60 minute breakout session (topic to be agreed with HCoC)

• Your session featured on the event web page

• Your session featured in an edition of Inspire Magazine

• Opportunity to display your own collateral and banner at the event

• Inclusion in the social media campaign and marketing regarding the event

• Your logo and session description featured in the conference programme

£1,500.00 + VAT

Exhibition Stands

We have a couple of exhibition stands remaining.

Package includes:

• One free place at the event (Equivalent to £135 + VAT)

• Your logo and description featured in the conference programme

• The opportunity to display your own collateral and banner at the event

• Inclusion in the social media campaign and marketing regarding the event

£295.00 + VAT