Chamber conference champions inspirational women in business

Now in its fourteenth year, the conference celebrates women who make a difference in their field – to their colleagues, organisations, communities and the wider North East region.

Held at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham, the conference brought together more than 150 business leaders, entrepreneurs and community figures under the theme Women Who Rise, highlighting the prominent role women play in driving positive change within organisations and local communities. It is part of the Chamber’s Inspiring Women in Business programme of events, which are designed to inspire and connect women in business across the North East.

Opening the event, Deborah Walton, Chamber president and chief financial officer of water analysis specialist Palintest, outlined the Chamber’s commitment to its Inspiring Women in Business programme.

She said: “We are truly inspired by the strength, determination and positivity of so many women across our community. They are the leaders, innovators and disruptors – the beating heart of our region. It’s only right that we should celebrate and share their achievements and give them a platform to connect with other like-minded individuals.

“That’s why we started our Inspiring Women in Business programme more than a decade ago. Since then, it has evolved organically thanks to the commitment of members and colleagues, driving change, transforming communities and motivating future generations of business leaders.”

Kay Carrick, chair of the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership and Social Equity Forum and director of fundraising and development at Beamish Museum, also highlighted the positive impact of the programme.

She said: “It inspires women and motivates them to thrive. Female leadership and workplace equity is key to the prosperity of our region.”

Next up was Michelle Robson, global chief people and compliance officer at PD Ports, who underlined the positive role women play in creating a diverse workforce.

Drawing on her own experience of leadership, she said: “A woman who rises isn’t necessarily the loudest voice, or the one who has the flashiest job title. Mostly it’s the girl or the woman who chose courage over comfort.”

Kathryn Meadows, fourth generation owner of family firm Nicholson’s Butchers, said her career journey was evidence that women can make it in traditionally male-dominated industries.

She said: “We work with schools to encourage girls to consider the variety of different career options within our industry. As a business owner, if you discount half of the population you’re missing out on some incredible talent who can propel your business forward.

“You don't have to be a man to succeed in a male-dominated industry. I want girls to grow up not putting limits on themselves, to look at an industry like mine and see opportunities, not a closed door. That’s how women rise.”

Workplace equity panel

A central focus of the conference was a panel on Workplace Equity, chaired by Deborah Walton. Panellists, including Michelle Robson (PD Ports), Andy Broadbent (principal and CEO of New College Durham), Jessica Gwaringa (founder and MD of Moonrise 24hr Recruitment) and Sam Rennison KPM (former chief superintendent at Northumbria Police and founder of the Experience Effect), explored how women in business can promote and embed equity in everyday business practices.

Topics included the importance of shared learning, the need to embed inclusion and diversity within business strategy, and the value of building support networks for women, both inside and outside of the workplace.

Delegates also heard from Meg Hardiman, development and marketing officer at Community Foundation North East (CFNE) and a member of the Chamber’s Future Leaders programme, which is delivered with Gateshead College and supported by two of the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). Meg was also crowned one of the region’s Rising Stars at the Chamber’s annual Business Awards earlier this year.

She said: “The third sector offers a wealth of opportunities for young women like myself, the chance to develop and grow. You don’t have to be in the corporate world to gain job satisfaction and plot a rewarding career path.

“It was brilliant to be recognised at the Chamber’s Business Awards and I’m proud to be part of the Future Leaders programme. Through this programme and my work at CFNE, I want to show people that you don’t have to leave the North East to find work because there are some fantastic opportunities right here on your doorstep.”

Charting her own rise up the career ladder, Dr Birju Bartoli, CEO of Northumbria NHS, highlighted the importance of resilience and a solid work ethic in her keynote speech.

She said: “When I enrolled on the NHS graduate management scheme I never thought I’d become a CEO of an organisation that employs 12,000 people. I’d describe myself as an accidental leader – I’m evidence that leadership is for everyone if they’re willing to work hard and grasp the opportunity.”  

The final keynote speech came from Alexandra Knight MBE, founder of STEMAZING, a social enterprise dedicated to driving female inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Alex, who has spent more than 15 years working in engineering consultancy and innovation, highlighted the importance of visible role models for aspiring female leaders.  

She said: “Lots of people don’t even realise that they’re already a role model. The key is to recognise it and pass on what you’ve learned. The other really important thing is to have the courage to take on new opportunities, even if you’re out of your comfort zone. With courage comes confidence.”

Breakout sessions

Delegates also had the opportunity to join one of two workshops.

Sam Rennison KPM, led a session on Women Who Rise: Seeing Barriers Through New Eyes, which invited organisations to rethink how they attract and retain talent through a modern lens. Topics under discussion included the value of behaviour-based interviewing, the onboarding signals that create true belonging and how small, practical changes can deliver transformational change and help women rise.  

The second workshop was led by Lucy Philipson, senior lecturer and course lead sustainability specialist at Teesside University. Charging Your Leadership Battery explored intentional practices that restore personal energy, purpose and focus to enable women to maximise their potential and become more effective leaders.

The conference also shone a spotlight on the Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2026, sponsored by Newcastle International Airport. Categories include Business Leader of the Year, Most Inspiring Employer, Apprentice of the Year and three Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year awards.

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 27 November at Newcastle Civic Centre – members are encouraged to save the date.