Katherine McLoughlin, Allison MacDonald-Smith, Emma Elston MBE, Dr. Sally Penni MBE, Nikki Leonard and Tracy Ellam

This month LSH Auto hosted the first in a series of networking events from the organisers of the Women of the Year Awards.

The event, designed to bring together and empower women, attracted more than 70 delegates to LSH Auto’s flagship site on Brighton Road, Stockport.

Guest speakers included Mex Ibrahim, co-founder of Women in the Food Industry, HR Director Sue Bancroft, with a career in logistics spanning over 23 years, and Nicola Gleave, founder of Worn By Us, a fashion resale business working with brands, retailers and consumers.

Dr. Sally Penni MBE, a practicing award-winning barrister, founder of Women in the Law UK, public speaker, podcaster and author of 16 books, chaired the panel discussion.

Advertisement

Mex Ibrahim said: “The warmth and good humour of the North West of England never ceases to amaze me. The reception before our panel was full of fun, intelligent and creative women.

“Although my fellow panellists were from completely different industries, we shared common experiences faced by many women. Discussions ranged from equality and diversity, ‘imposter syndrome’ and getting promoted, to the effects of Covid and Brexit on our industries, women who inspire us and how to navigate challenges in business.”

Now in its 42nd year, the iconic Women of the Year awards celebrate outstanding female role models across all areas of society and business. Nominations are now open, and the winners will be announced at Manchester’s Etihad on Friday 11th October, in an event that’s expected to host over 400 people.

Women of the Year Awards Director, Emma Elston MBE said: “Our first ‘Women In…’ networking event was a resounding success. Having our debut event held at one of the largest Mercedes-Benz retailers in Europe, overseen by an exceptional team of staff who provided unwavering support and assistance, was an absolute privilege.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to LSH Auto for going above and beyond to accommodate our guests and making us feel so welcome. From WOTY 2024 numberplates to our logo across the impressive cars and vehicles on show, the day was incredible from start to finish.

“We also want to thank our fantastic panel, chaired by the incredible Dr. Sally Penni MBE, for sharing their wisdom and insights during the discussion.

“To see such a large and diverse group of women across a range of business sectors come together, creating a safe and open space to discuss such topics is something we’re incredibly proud to push and promote.”

Tracy Ellam, Operations Director for LSH Auto, said: “We are so proud to sponsor the Women of the Year awards and were thrilled to host the first ‘Women In…’ networking event at our Stockport dealership. Women from across several industry sectors came together to discuss real issues affecting them in everyday business. We hope that everybody who attended enjoyed the event and went away feeling inspired and empowered.”

LSH Auto will also host a networking event for businesswomen from the Midlands at its Birmingham dealership in June.

Advertisement