Enterprising Women Conference 2026

East Midlands Chamber, along with Enterprising Women Co-Chairs, Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain invite you to join us to network and learn from some of the region's most inspirational female business leaders.

This year's International Women's Day theme is 'Give to Gain' and we'll be exploring what this means to us here in the East Midlands.

We are delighted to be joined by Sian Gabbidon as our keynote speaker.

Sian was the first black female winner of the BBC's The Apprentice. As a pioneering British businesswoman, she is celebrated for her innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Sian runs a greatly successful fashion and swimwear brand titled Sian Marie. With bright prints and unique styles, she has built a market leading line paving the way for quality clothing items, stylish and sleek. Sian is determined to empower consumers across the globe through her clothes, a driving force that has shaped her products to inspire confidence. Inspired by Coco Chanel, her Cinderella story resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, inspiring them to embrace their own business potential.

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Hear from our panellists as they discuss topics affecting women in business along with their own experiences.

Chaired by Anne Davies, BBC East Midlands Today, our panellists are:

Jenny Colver, Partner at Knights

Preethi Kang, Commercial Manager at Qinesis and Chair of Generation Next

Sarah Thomson, Principal Partnership Officer at De Montfort University

Sandra Wiggins, Co-founder and CEO, Women on Boards

Rachael Edmondson-Clarke, Performance consultant and coach, Ellevar

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We'll also hear from Mariam Smith from Datalink - winner of 'Businesswoman of the Year' at the Enterprising Women Awards 2025 as we launch the Enterprising Women Awards 2026.

At the end of the conference you'll be treated to a hot lunch in the Live Lounge and the opportunity to join a tour of Vaillant Live.

Keep an eye out for the full programme being announced soon!