Women Growing Together in the North West – Saturday 7th March 2026

Join us this International Women’s Day for an inspiring, welcoming and connection-led event bringing together women from across Lancashire and the North West’s food, drink, hospitality, marketing and creative industries.

This half-day celebration is designed around the #GiveToGain theme — creating space for women to share experiences, learn from one another, build meaningful relationships and leave feeling energised, supported and inspired.

Whether you’re running a business, growing a brand, building your career or exploring what’s next, this event is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and be part of something collective.

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Arrival drinks, sampling & networking

Fireside Chat – The Power of Storytelling
The event opens with Meena McDonald and Seema Dalvi, in conversation, exploring Seema’s journey, her background, and how she built her award-winning restaurant. Expect honest insight, real experiences and practical takeaways.

Panel Discussion – Women Growing Businesses in the North West
Moderated by Meena McDonald, this panel brings together inspiring women from across the region to share their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned:

• Ann Farrell, Director, The Lancashire Mead Company
• Sara Dewhurst, Founder, Lytham Gin
• Adele Scott, Marketing Exec, Oato

Panel Discussion – Lifestyle, food, farming, sustainability and community 
Moderated by Seema Dalvi, the panel shows how women from the North West are working on sustainable, lifestyle, health, art and community projects

• Maddi Nicholson – artist and artistic director of Art Gene in Barrow-in-Furness
• Nicola Iredale of APRANA,
• Dr Beccy Whittle – Community Food Skills Working Group Lead & FoodFutures Fundraiser

Canapés by Seema, sampling, shopping & networking

Female-Founded Brand Showcase
Discover, sample and buy from an exciting selection of female-founded brands across food and drink.

Including – The Lancashire Mead Company,  Oato,  Lytham Gin, Jacquelines Chocolates, & CBD tea from APRANA.

Thoughtful Networking
Relaxed, welcoming networking designed to encourage genuine conversations and connections — not awkward pitching.

FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER FOR WOMEN GROWING TOGETHER IN THE NORTH WEST