BUSINESSWOMEN from across Worcestershire met for a business forum featuring inspirational guest speakers.

Around 40 attendees met for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce's Worcester Women's Business Forum, in association with Bishop Fleming.

The event, held on January 15, saw guests meet at the picturesque Pensons at the Netherwood Estate where they had the opportunity to engage in networking over tea, coffee and brunch. They were then welcomed by Sharon Smith, chamber of commerce CEO.

Motivational talks were given by Wendy Andrews, VAT director at Worcester accountancy firm Bishop Fleming in addition to Emma May White from Real World Coaching, who held an interactive goal-setting session for 2020.

Peta Darnley, owner of Pensons, also spoke, discussing her journey from working in media and growing her husband's business and Nicola Whiting, chief strategy officer for Titania, who was recently named in the New Year's Honours list. The event was closed with another networking opportunity and the chance to tour the venue, located near Tenbury Wells.

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Guests were impressed with the speakers as well as with the venue and welcomed the time allocated for networking with other businesses attending the event.

Each event is aimed at business people from across Worcestershire, not exclusively to women, and is held at family friendly hours to allow attendees that have children the chance to join fellow business people for an informative event. The next event will be held on Thursday, April 30. For more information, contact events@hwchamber.co.uk

Also from the Chamber of Commerce, applications are now open for the 2020 Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Businesses can apply for the awards and businesses of all size and sectors from across the two counties are encouraged to enter at least one of the 15 award categories.

This year's awards feature the opportunity to enter two new categories: Commitment to the Community and Excellence in Sustainability. Entrants have until Friday, March 27 to get their applications in if they want to be considered for the awards.

This year, the awards ceremony will once again take place at the Worcester Arena on Thursday, July 2.