International Women’s Day with the Unique Ladies

By Helen Donald

We had an incredible day at Rochdale Football Club celebrating International Women’s Day with 100 Unique Ladies!

We had a stand at the event for the Lancashire & North West Magazine and so we had the chance to meet many new faces and share information all about us and what we do, and give out some recent magazine examples, as well as being able to catch up with those Unique Ladies in the group whom we already know and love.

As always meetings with the Unique Ladies team gives you the opportunity to network, to make new business contacts and to share contacts alike. Yes, these are business ladies, some working for others and some running their own businesses, but this is more than just business. The women come to the Unique Ladies from all walks of life and experiences, talks are a plenty and speakers bring guidance and advice or reflect upon their own journeys and share the obstacles and hardships they have had to endure and overcome, as well as the successes. Natures are humble, and to say that the meetings and events with the Unique Ladies are motivating, does not even do them justice.

I personally have often found myself sat listening in awe and admiration, as these women stand up and bare their truths, no matter if ugly or traumatic, but to demonstrate how using your difficulties can be your guiding strengths, and they brave sharing their stories to help all the ladies around see how they can do it too. You cannot help but come away from a meeting, feeling heart warmed and excitably energetic with the thoughts of potential possibilities, as well as just feeling all round happy from socialising (because it does feel like that) with these fabulous women.

At the International Women’s Day event there were a few speakers in particular and all deserve a mention.

Let’s start with Heather Wright, the host, and as well as being the host Heather also filled in last minute with a speaking slot for some ladies who regrettably could not make it. Heather is in fact a Speaker for a living, (and you can clearly see why). She is hilarious and yet captivating with informative talk at the same time. The talk she gave on behavioural changes, although littered with humour, was so insightful and a serious topic, delivered in a way which has such a powerful impact, due to the content yes, but just as much so because of the way Heather can relay it.

Then we had Emma Preston, and again Emma was so funny, (I think all the women who spoke had a way with humour in fact, and yet they all had a strong story and message to share too). Emma’s story is one of unfathomable courage and you could not help but admire and applaud this incredible woman.

Vicki Culverhouse followed in the afternoon, again Vicki had stepped in at the last minute (not that you would ever know). We had a lot of talk throughout the day about something Heather said - how it only takes 30 seconds of courage, to make what could be a life changing leap. All the speakers related to this too, and Vicki noted how when she was asked by Suzy to fill in, she took that ‘under 30 seconds, just go with your gut’ quick decision making, to say yes, followed just as promptly by the reflecting thought of – ‘what did I just agree too?’! But sometimes you just have to Woman Up!

Vicki tackled a particularly difficult subject matter and spoke openly about her experience with breast cancer. What a strong and ridiculously impressive woman. She even retained a light hearted humour throughout, (I have no idea how!), and the emotional impact on the room was overwhelming. What a role model, and Vicki, standing tall and proud, offered to be an empathetic ear to anyone in need.

Next came the fabulous Maura Jackson, and that’s Maura and NOT Laura, as we discovered this has been somewhat of a lifetime annoyance for her. Maura is a comedian and wanted to practice a sketch in preparation for an open mic night. She had the Unique Ladies audience in absolute stiches and some leaking tears of laughter. Maura is just starting out on the comedy scene, but it was clear to see at the event, and we all agreed in unison, that she is a total natural. We believe she will undoubtedly be a resounding success. So watch out for her name, and remember that’s is Maura with an M!

Even the caterers jumped on board at last minute, (sadly there appears to be re-bouts of Covid and winter bugs circulating), but this food from

Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation was an absolute delight. It was a far stretch from my usual home-made butties, to have this mouth wateringly scrumptious lunch. We had a super flavoursome curry with varying accompaniments, each equally as delicious. It was the perfect dinner, sandwiched (only so much better than a sandwich) between those amazing talks. We were all queueing following the enticing aroma which was floating through the function room, all eagerly anticipating the taste, and we were certainly not disappointed.

There was even a raffle after all the talks, with prizes donated by some of the companies involved or sought by these amazing organisers, (we will get to them next). Honestly there is just so much to say about the whole day, we even got goody bags, (with Unique Ladies Unique artwork on them by another brilliant lady – Rebecca Chesters from New Cards On The Block), which I rifled through when I got home, with ‘ooh’s’ and ‘look at this’ whilst showing my partner and kids.

There were so many more people involved and behind the day; Liz Hall – the photographer, Costco Wholesale – who provided pastries and bottled water, and Rochdale Football Club too for use of their functioning suites to name some. But none of this would be possible, nor any of the events, or Unique Ladies itself, if it wasn’t for one truly Unique Lady – Suzy Orr!

Suzy spent years working and networking in male dominated environments of IT and Telecoms, where she saw the niche and the need for a networking option specifically designed for women.

There is no costly joining fee and locations for meetings are superb and you get a lovely tea or coffee each time. The utmost effort goes in to preparation and support and the speakers at the groups and events are always incredible, insightful and inspirational.

Unfortunately women in business are still a minority group, but with the Unique Ladies you get a chance to grow with the group and individually, through the support and encouragement of a networking family.

The groups are open to all ages, from 18 – 85! And there are already

18 groups established across the North West.

Monthly meetings cost £20 (plus any booking fees) drinks included, and there is always a business speaker to give you something to learn and take away. It gives you the ability to expand your own confidence as well as your contacts list, contacts who quickly become your friends; the opportunities are endless.

Suzy is modest and welcoming and always gives credit to the Ladies around her and supporting her. There is Julia Page who is the queen of admin and the amazing ladies which lead each of the sub groups include Rachel Lenagh, Nicola Sheard, Kathryn Taylor and not to forget the lady who Suzy describes as her right hand woman – Dawn Roberts.

Check out the Unique Ladies website and social media pages to find out more and to read their regular blogs and updates, and find out how you could get involved. We know how many strong independent and passionate women are out there and people want to hear your story, so come along and share and mingle. It really is business - but not like you have ever known it!

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