Women from across Torbay have celebrated International Women’s Day by coming together to celebrate the incredible achievements of women at an event organised by TDA. Held at the Hampton by Hilton, the event was sponsored by South Devon College, Emerson Wills, Poppy Jakes, Devon Women in Business and part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the government’s Levelling Up agenda. Last year, Torbay Council was allocated £1.76 million of UKSPF funding to support local businesses, boost opportunities for local people and create spaces for communities to enjoy.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
Over 70 women, from diverse backgrounds, came together to share their stories and experiences, celebrating the power, achievements, and resilience of women in Torbay. Delegates participated in engaging discussions, thought-provoking talks and gained valuable insights from a panel of inspiring speakers including Jess Wiggins, Founder of Impact Coaching, Lorraine Arnold, award-winning local businesswoman and Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.
The event connected like-minded individuals, forged new connections and allowed attendees to explore the opportunity for collaboration and growth. One attendee described the event as “a day filled with positivity, inspiration, empowerment and networking”.
A raffle on the day, supported by an amazing range of local businesses who provided some great prizes, raised over £500 for the Ladies Lounge in Torquay; a charity supporting vulnerable women in Torbay.
During the event delegates were given insightful information on a range of business support programmes, delivered by TDA on behalf of Torbay Council, aimed at harnessing local entrepreneurial talent. Over 130 local businesses have already received free business support via a range of programmes that help local people to start new businesses, expand and innovate existing businesses and reduce their businesses’ carbon emissions.
The International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. The business support packages delivered by TDA are available free of charge to all Torbay residents from all backgrounds.
To find out more about the range of business support packages on offer or to join a local business networking group, contact Kim.thornton@tda.uk.net
Photo credit: Poppy Jakes Photography