Lancashire business group has inspirational leaders for International Women's Day events

Women from across the UK are invited to join a series of events to help support and promote female entrepreneurship.

From networking and business masterclasses to keynote speakers, the events aim to inspire, energise and empower women who want to strengthen and grow their business.

Among the guests, BAFTA winning deputy editor of ITV Granada, Elaine Willcox, will be holding a Confidence on Camera Masterclass for women in business. Aimed at taking the fear out of TV interviews it will include practical tips, what producers are looking for in a story and how women can become an expert voice in their industry.

Three leading businesswomen will be joining Pink Link for a series of She’s Bossing It interviews.

Topics will include the challenges they have faced, the story behind the brand and how they built a loyal fan base of customers in a relatively short amount of time.

Elissa Corrigan and Rebecca McCann both launched successful businesses during the pandemic.

When lockdown ground Elissa’s health retreat business to a halt she used it as an opportunity to develop Elle Sera, a female health supplement.

With the global hair styling brand Pro Blo under her belt and a huge organic social media following, Rebecca McCann launched a new brand in November. SLEEP London is a range of luxury silk products which banish frizzy bed hair and reduce sleep wrinkles.

Rebecca said “I choose to challenge anyone who tells us that we cannot have it all, I truly believe it is our right as women to go after our passions in a world where we are equal.”

Award winning entrepreneur, Maxine Laceby, founder and CEO of Absolute Collagen will talk about how in just a few years, she broke down barriers and used the skills she learnt as a mother to build one of Britain’s fastest growing beauty brands with a multi-million pound turnover.

“Everything I learned from being a woman and a mother, I apply to the boardroom,” said Maxine.

Coral Horn, of Pink Link, said “This year’s theme #ChooseToChallenge is particularly apt. The pandemic has disproportionately affected women and there is talk of a she-cession.

“We want to give women the skills and tools to ensure they are prepared for business post-lockdown. Let’s make sure they prosper and flourish.”

Masterclasses include key business skills including video production, improving SEO and online presence, and increasing sales and developing strong customer relations. They have been supported by Boost Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, the Cumbria LEP and the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.

Women can book their free places via www.pinklinkladies.co.uk/international-womens-day/.