More than 100 women from across the South West attended the 2020 Successful Women Annual Conference and Awards Launch to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Now in its third year, the one-day event took place at the George Albert Hotel & Spa at Evershot and showcased inspirational speakers from across the UK.

The event incorporated this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #eachforequal, aimed at challenging stereotypes, fighting bias, broadening perceptions, improving situations and celebrating women’s achievements.

Gill Donnell MBE, and Founder of Successful Women, pictured left, said the conference and awards launch had been a great success.

She added: “We had incredible keynote speakers who shared invaluable tips and insights to the attendees.

“It was great to see so many like-minded women connect, learn and find inspiration with one another amongst such a wonderful atmosphere.

“Here’s to yet another successful year for women!”

Inspirational speakers on the day included

• Lynne Franks OBE, the PR guru who helped establish London Fashion Week and founded the SEED programme.
• Alison Edgar, ‘The Entrepreneurs Godmother’
• Luke Simon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Charity School in a Bag
• Sunny Bird, Founder of Sunny Bird PR and the Perfect Dress Company
• Susan Kabani, Co-founder of Ugenie
• Gill Donnell MBE, the founder of Successful Women in Business.

The event marked the launch of the third 2020 Successful Women Awards which aims to recognise the important and inspirational achievements of women in business across the South West.

Gill said: “After such an amazing conference, we’re so excited to be able to kick-start the third annual Successful Women Awards for 2020.

“The business world is full of hugely talented and successful women who not only run businesses, or work in demanding roles, but often also juggle caring responsibilities at the same time.

“We understand the positive impact of recognising and celebrating women and their successes which is why we launched the awards to demonstrate these achievements to the wider community in the region.

“We can’t wait to see all the amazing entries this year, and the fantastic success stories that will make themselves known as a result of all the work businesswomen do all year round!”

To enter or nominate click here.

The closing date for nominations is Monday April 13, and the closing date for applications is Friday April 17.

The final awards ceremony will take place on June 5 from 6pm at the George Albert Hotel & Spa.

Sponsors of the Successful Women Awards include Perceptions Marketing Solutions, Margo & Mya, D52Ltd The Business Toolkit, Fordington Gin, Tracey Rickard Web Design, Cameron Jones Financial Management, Humphries Kirk Solicitors, HJ Accounts Management, The Message Maestro, House of Colour Bournemouth and Willow Tree Life.