Businesswomen throughout Lancashire have been encouraged to persist in breaking down barriers following two inspirational speeches at the Women Mean Business event.
The event saw over a hundred participants gather to listen to Mims Davies MP, Minister for Work, Health and Disabled People, and Liz Taylor, a notable figure in the events and hospitality industry. Both shared personal anecdotes about their paths to success, highlighting the hurdles they’ve faced and their unwavering resolve to excel.
Hosted by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and in collaboration with Code Galaxy, the gathering took place at Stanley House in Mellor and marks the beginning of a series of events scheduled for this year.
In anticipation of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Davies, a Conservative MP, shared her pride in being the 380th female member of Parliament, acknowledging that there’s still progress to be made.
She emphasised: “Empowering women and supporting equality in the workplace is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. There are many barriers we still have to overcome but we are all on this journey together.
“Our amazing ability to juggle the work-life balance and take the opportunities presented to us is growing.
“There are two million more people in the workplace than in 2010 and more over-50s in the labour market than ever. No matter what your background, we continue to smash that glass ceiling so let’s carry on doing just that.”
Liz Taylor, whose clientele includes well-known personalities like Gary Barlow, Peter Kay, and the Prince of Wales, reflected on her ascent in the global hospitality sector, from juggling various jobs to achieving widespread recognition.
Her advice to the audience was: “If I could give you one piece of advice it would to be enjoy the journey and take the opportunities. Be determined to succeed as there is no recipe for success, you have to go out there and earn it.
“We can never fail, failure does not come into it, only determination to succeed does. Be seen, be remembered, always show up and never be the cheapest… be the best”.
Jane Cole, President of the Chamber, inaugurated the event and reiterated the sentiments of the keynote speakers.
Mary Speakman, Code Galaxy’s Managing Director and co-founder, remarked: “The event was not only inspirational but also received phenomenal feedback from attendees, some of whom described it as the best event they’ve ever attended.”
“To witness the stories of these two remarkable women was extraordinary, yet they remind us that much remains to be done to secure workplace equality.”
Babs Murphy, the Chamber’s chief executive, concluded: “This event shows the commitment and dedication of businesswomen across Lancashire. Stories of inspiration and the determination to succeed is what makes this county stand out and the journey these women are on will inspire the generations to come.”
