International Women’s Day will be celebrated in Dorset next month with the 2020 Successful Women Annual Conference and Awards Launch.

Now in its third year, the one-day event will take place on Thursday March 5 at Dorchester’s George Albert Hotel & Spa and showcase inspirational speakers from across the UK.

It will incorporate 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 said: “I am thrilled that this year’s Conference and Awards Launch is looking to be our best ever.

“We have some incredible keynote speakers lined up, including the phenomenal Lynne Franks OBE who has spent decades empowering women on the world stage.”

Lynne Franks OBE, pictured right, helped establish London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards.

She is now based in Wincanton, Somerset, and has opened the SEED Hub where her retreats, eco-bedrooms and vegan café offer a respite for busy women and men who visit to escape the stresses of everyday life.

Other inspirational speakers on the day include:

• 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, Founder of Successful Women in Business who has spent much of her working life promoting the role of women in the workplace and now heads up the Successful Women in Business Network.

Attendees will get the chance to interact and ask questions during the expert panel discussion and browse exhibitor stands throughout the day, all hosted by female businesswomen.

This year’s annual conference also marks the launch of the third 2020 Successful Women Awards which showcases and celebrates the achievements of women in business from across the South West.

Entries will open on March 5 and include categories such as new business, creativity, public speaking and independent food and drink.

More details can be found here.

Tickers for the conference can be purchased here and cost £69 for non-members and £59 for SWIB members.

The conference is held from 9.30am-4.30 pm.

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 Health.