Just under 30 female professionals, including accountants, solicitors, chartered surveyors and independent financial advisers from Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire gathered at the Rose and Crown Hotel in Salisbury for the first Wessex Women’s Professional Networking Group event of 2018.

They were joined by Natwest’s Samantha Ryall, who presented an essential session aimed at helping businesses stay safe online in this digital world.The group was launched at the beginning of 2016 in response to a lack of events for female professionals.

Dawn Peattie, PKF Francis Clark said, “Our Salisbury office launched the group after identifying a lack of events for female professionals. Having now held eight successful events, with attendance of around 30 women, there clearly is a demand. It has been great to see the network grow over this time and we have some exciting plans for 2018 events lined up.”