The Yorkshire Women in Business Group (YWIB), a branch of The Yorkshire Society, launched their inaugural Conference on 12th September in Leeds, to overwhelming positive feedback.

The ‘YWIB’ Group was founded by The Yorkshire Society and in April 2024 six Yorkshire businesswomen came together to form its management committee and turn a vision into reality, creating a business group for Yorkshire women – regardless of their background or current career status – where they could talk, support and connect with each other.

The committee members include businesswomen with different backgrounds and industry experiences from all four regions of Yorkshire:  North, South, East and West. They are…

Helen Weeks (Co Chair) – HW Coaching Flourish and Evolve

Sarah Loftus (Co Chair) – Managing Director at Make it York and Visit York

Lois Kirtlan – Hetty & Betty Restaurant and Venue

Minoti Parikh – TPL Experiences

Pauline King – Regional Employment Director at Reserve Forces, Ministry of Defence

Jackie Cook – CQ Strategic Marketing and Equality in STEM

The conference was an opportunity for new members of the group to meet the committee and each other. As well networking the conference also included a keynote presentation by Valentina Hynes of SVH Inc; workshops by Jo Tomlinson of Business Works, and Helen Weeks of HW Coaching Flourish and Evolve; as well as a much-enjoyed game of Yorkshire Women Bingo.

Committee member Lois Kirtlan said “With a capacity 100 attendees registered, you might expect a drop in numbers on the actual day, especially with a free event, but the turnout was fantastic. We had women from all walks of life and all stages of careers, from across Yorkshire. The energy in the room was incredible. All of the Committee members are volunteers, who are passionate about supporting other women in business, and to get such a positive reaction from the attendees is just wonderful. ”

Committee member Minoti Parikh said “I’m so proud of what we have achieved, considering we started our journey as a group only a few months back!”

Committee Co Chair Helen Weeks said “We’re really looking forward to carrying the energy created and connections made forwards, to increase and reinforce the support for Yorkshire Women in Business.”

Attendees were quick to share their experiences from the day on social media:

“The conference was a new initiative from the YS that celebrates the rich diversity of female entrepreneurs and business owners across Yorkshire—it was an empowering experience!” Grace Moronfolu – Director Carbonado Consultancy Ltd

“Thanks for organising Helen & everyone else – I really enjoyed it – especially moving around groups I met so many lovely ladies and it was nice to speak to people from outside my normal comfort zone (York)” Lucy Ridley – Freelance Web and Graphic Designer

“Thanks for all your efforts in organising today! Great to attend and network! Looking forward to future events! “ Siobhan Atkinson – Chief Executive Huddersfield Town Foundation

“Great job to all the team, fab day  I really resonated with how you described the group and feelings for the day Helen Weeks, you speak so well” Chloe Angus – Leadership Coach and Trainer

“Had a great networking session at The Yorkshire Society Women in Business Conference this morning. A great opportunity to meet like-minded women in Business, share some stories and make new contacts! Thank you” Lorna Garrity – Transformation Coach, Author and Speaker

“It was a really fab day, I was so happy to be there” Bianca Spruit – Sprout Coaching

“Enjoying meeting new business owners at The Yorkshire Society #wib” Beverley Holmes – Membership Development Executive, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of commerce.

“Lovely to meet you all!” Belle Cape – Regional Adsmart Sales Executive at Sky Media Uk

“Interesting guest speakers and workshops, and lots of opportunity for chatting, connecting, exchanging knowledge, asking for advice etc. Positive energy, great atmosphere, and a room full of brilliant ideas and people! A big thank you to the organisers and The Yorkshire Society” Sabine Robinson – Marketing Director at Advantage Business Support.

Speaking for The Yorkshire Society, Philip Bell, chief executive of the not-for-profit organisation, said “Everyone at the Society is delighted at the quick progress of the YWIB group, and we’re rightly proud of the committee’s work to champion the efforts of women in Yorkshire, and who make up 50% of it. We are ready to to give them all the support they need to make a real impact on the lives of aspiring and working women in Yorkshire’s.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

You can join the Yorkshire Society Women in Business Group for free, and stay up to date on news and events, HERE

Details of the next events for the Yorkshire Women in Business Group will be posted on the Society’s events page, HERE and you can register to join the free LinkedIn group HERE.

Join the group for free, here.