International Women’s Day is on Tuesday 8 March and to mark the day businesses in Dorset and Hampshire are invited to attend a unique Link & Learn event at The Minstead Trust’s Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Lyndhurst.

The event will also raise funds for The Minstead Trust which nurtures the unique potential of people with learning disabilities.

Founder and managing director of Fordingbridge-based Padua Communications, Nicky Rudd, has brought together a line up of inspirational speakers. Each will share their view on the role of women in business and the challenges they have overcome to break the bias in their workplaces and industries.

The speakers include: Jo Hompstead, founder of Connect Up; Sarah Wrixon of Wimborne-based Summers Insurance; Lucy Tidbury, artist and gallery owner at Lucy’s Farm in Swanage; sales expert Kristy Davies-Sumpter of Zest Consultancy and Angie Beeston from Evolution 4 Business.

The theme of International Women’s Day this year is ‘break the bias’.

Nicky Rudd said: “The Minstead Trust’s main lodge has adapted how it works as a venue because of Covid-19. This has had a huge impact on funds coming into the charity, which does amazing work for adults with learning difficulties.

“As a female business owner, I always try and celebrate International Women’s Day. This year, organising a fundraising event seemed like the best idea. It will be great to run a face-to-face event, and the women that have agreed to share their stories are exceptional in their fields. What makes this extra special is that I have met a lot of them during lockdown. I am really thrilled that we can showcase their talent to help others on their business journeys, as well as raise funds for an amazing charity.”

Tickets to the event are priced at £18, including lunch and refreshments, with all proceeds going to The Minstead Trust. Spaces are limited, so book early via Eventbrite.