Chamber celebrates women driving change

Women driving change across the North East have been celebrated at a regional conference focused on leadership, workplace equity and creating opportunities for the next generation.

More than 150 business leaders, entrepreneurs and community figures attended the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Women in Business Conference at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham.

Sponsored by PD Ports and now in its 14th year, the event was held under the theme Women Who Rise, highlighting the contribution women make to businesses, organisations and communities across the region.

A workplace equity panel chaired by Deborah Walton brought together Michelle Robson of PD Ports; New College Durham principal and chief executive Andy Broadbent; Moonrise 24hr Recruitment founder and managing director Jessica Gwaringa; and Sam Rennison KPM, former Northumbria Police chief superintendent and founder of the Experience Effect.

Discussions explored how businesses can embed equity into everyday working practices, with a focus on shared learning, making inclusion and diversity part of business strategy and developing stronger support networks for women.

Opening the event, Deborah Walton, Chamber president and chief financial officer of water analysis specialist Palintest, 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.”

Delegates also heard from Meg Hardiman, development and marketing officer at Community Foundation North East and a member of the Chamber’s Future Leaders programme.

Meg, who was named one of the region’s Rising Stars at the Chamber’s annual Business Awards earlier this year, shared her experience of progressing in her career.

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.”

Northumbria NHS chief executive Dr Birju Bartoli delivered a keynote address centred on her own career journey and the importance of resilience and a strong work ethic.

Dr Bartoli added: “When I enrolled on the NHS graduate management scheme I never thought I’d become a chief executive 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.”   

Alexandra Knight MBE, founder of social enterprise STEMAZING, also took to the stage to discuss female inclusion in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Drawing on more than 15 years working in engineering consultancy and innovation, she highlighted the importance of visible role models in encouraging more women to pursue careers and leadership opportunities in STEM.

Alexandra added: “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.”

The conference also featured two workshops aimed at addressing barriers to progression and developing leadership skills.

Sam led Women Who Rise: Seeing Barriers Through New Eyes, exploring how organisations can rethink their approach to attracting and retaining talent.

The session covered behaviour-based interviewing, creating a sense of belonging during onboarding and how practical changes to workplace practices can help women progress.

Lucy Philipson, senior lecturer and course lead sustainability specialist at Teesside University, led a second session, Charging Your Leadership Battery, focused on practices designed to restore energy, purpose and focus and support more effective leadership.

The event forms part of the Chamber’s wider Inspiring Women in Business programme, which aims to connect and support women across the North East.

Attention also turned to the Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2026, sponsored by Newcastle International Airport.

Categories include Business Leader of the Year, Most Inspiring Employer and Apprentice of the Year, alongside three Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year awards.

The awards ceremony will take place at Newcastle Civic Centre on November 27.

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