BUSINESSWOMEN in Malvern are invited to a one-day conference in the town.

The event, organised by the Malvern Pearls networking group, features guest speakers such as local authors Helen Rebello and Alice Jennings.

Money will also be raised from the event for West Mercia Women’s Refuge, who work to help women break free from domestic violence and abuse.

Event organiser Esther Partridge-Warner said: “Getting together with your peers is such an important thing to do when you work in your own business.

“I hope that everyone will leave the day feeling motivated and overflowing with new ideas to drive their businesses forward.”

The event has been organised in response to a Treasury report which found that 46 per cent of women business owners struggle to balance their professional and personal commitments.

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It also identified that one of the barriers that affect women at all stages in their entrepreneurial journey is that they are less likely than their male counterparts to know other entrepreneurs or to have access to mentors, sponsors and professional networks.

The event will be held at Audley Ellerslie on February 29, 2020, and there will be an opportunity for making new contacts and sharing ideas.

Entrepreneur Emma May White of Real World Consultancy said: “I am looking forward to hearing from women who are following their dreams and to meet other like-minded business owners.”

Esther Partridge-Warner launched Malvern Pearls in May 2019 to bring local businesses and charities together.

She was a visitor at the Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford in 2015 and thought their idea of openly listing what they needed each month (for example a ream of photocopy paper, a bunch of flowers for reception and so on) was a great way for people to offer exactly what the charity needed.

Since Malvern Pearls was started, more than100 women have attended and benefitted from the power of networking.

The group has heard presentations from St Richard’s Hospice, The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, Papyrus UK for prevention of young suicide, The Worcestershire Breast Cancer Haven and many others.

For more information contact esther@onlinemediaworks.co.uk