Chamber event urges women to ‘lift each other’

A North East business conference celebrated women leading change in workplaces and communities.

The North East Chamber of Commerce’s annual Inspiring Women in Business Conference, sponsored by digital infrastructure specialists Pulsant, brought together more than 150 business leaders, entrepreneurs and community figures at Ramside Hall Hotel, in County Durham, under the theme Accelerate Action. 

The event focused on practical steps to create inclusive, fair and thriving workplaces.

Opening the event, Aneela Ali, executive director of finance and corporate services at the Chamber, said: “Our programme has grown and developed organically over more than a decade thanks to the commitment of members and colleagues. 

“It doesn’t just celebrate success – it drives change and motivates future generations. 

“When women succeed, businesses succeed and communities thrive.” 

A highlight was the Workplace Equity in Action panel, chaired by Gill Hunter, managing partner of Square One Law, with panellists including Steph Edusei, Jennie Pitt, Alexandra Knight and Alison Dunn, where discussions explored how businesses can embed equity through values-led leadership, daily actions and peer support.

Alison, chief executive of Society Matters Group and winner of last year’s Business Leader Award, said: “Gender inequality is not just about pay packets or statistics – it’s about our safety, our health, our representation and our dignity. 

“Building workplaces that enable women to thrive, rather than hold them back, is how we accelerate change. 

“We rise by lifting others.” 

Delegates also heard inspirational stories, including Steph Capewell of Love, Amelia, as well as Su Cumming, from Newcastle United Women’s Football, who shared journeys of resilience, opportunity and creating impact. 

Sharing her journey from personal loss to building a charity that has supported over 25,000 children, Steph urged delegates not to wait for confidence but to act. 

She said: “Confidence doesn’t always come first – action does. 

“Start with what you have, where you are.

“The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs people willing to be real and make a difference.” 

True Colours Theatre Company also delivered an interactive performance blending dance and sign language, celebrating inclusion.

Meanwhile, interactive workshops challenged delegates to rethink disability inclusion and explore authentic leadership, encouraging practical strategies for creating inclusive, empowering workplaces.

Wendy Shearer, director of partners and ecosystems at Pulsant, underlined why events such as the conference remain vital. 

She said: “Only two per cent of private equity funding goes to female-founded businesses, and women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

“That’s why days like today matter.” 

Drawing on stories from her grandmother, mother, sister, daughter and friends, Wendy reflected on lessons of resilience and determination across generations. 

She added: “Financial independence is key to freedom. 

“Careers are wiggly lines, not straight paths. 

“Dare to be different, back yourself, and most importantly, lift others. 

“If you can see it, you can be it – and that’s what today is all about.” 

Chamber president Deb Walton concluded the event with a powerful call to action. 

She said: “My overall takeaway is simple – we must lift each other.

“Together, we can accelerate action and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.” 

The conference also shone a spotlight on the Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2025, sponsored by Newcastle International Airport, which will take place on Friday, November 28 at Newcastle Civic Centre.

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