Women in Business Brunch: Inspirational Male Role Models

Description

Join us for an empowering Women in Business Brunch, as we celebrate International Men's Day talking to directors and business owners whose strong male role models have influenced, mentored and been their biggest champions throughout their careers. 

This event promises an engaging discussion on how these business leaders have handled challenges and learnt invaluable lessons to reach their current position of influence. 

Gain their insights into how they have been influences, supported and inspired by the male role models in their personal and professional lives to reach the roles and sectors they have. 

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with successful women in business, share in their triumphs, and leave with a renewed sense of empowerment to navigate your own professional journey. Book now to enjoy a morning brunch of inspiration, networking, and open discussions. 

Panel - Hosted by Karen Beardsley, Host of Women in Business & Former Doncaster Chamber Board Director 
Panelist 1)     Abi Priestley - Managing Director of Grace James Ltd 
Panelist 2)    Nikki Jones - Director of the AMRC Training Centre 
Panelist 3)    Essjay Hartshorn - Owner of Essjay Permanent Cosmetics
Panelist 4)    Fiona Hatley - Customer Services Director of Unipart

Agenda
10:00am - Arrival & Networking
10:30am - Panel Discussion Session 1
11:10am - Brunch & Networking
11:50am - Panel Discussion Session 2
12:30pm - Depart


Menu

• Sausage and egg muffins served on a toasted English muffin
• Freshly baked warm mini Pastries, croissants, pan au raisin, pan au chocolate
• American style Pancakes and waffles
• Fresh Berry compote
• Natural Yogurt
• Warm Maple syrup
• Fruit smoothies, mixed berry or spinach, mint, ginger & pineapple
• Roasted Granola with honey, raisin and almonds

Women in Business offers a great opportunity to network with women from different sectors whilst enjoying brunch, its doesn't matter if you're an apprentice or the CEO you'll be inspired by our panel. 

Abi Priestley
Managing Director of Grace James Ltd

A multi-business owner and successful entrepreneur, Abi has had the privilege of contributing to many industry sectors including retail, engineering and more recently hospitality. From her early days as an employed shop floor assistant to her ever growing portfolio of businesses, her commitment to excellence and business innovation has been unwavering.
Her leadership experience has included recovering businesses from extreme downturn to high profitability, new start-ups and assisting in business development strategies to see businesses go to the next level.


Her flagship career achievement includes setting up an award winning restaurant during COVID in a disused Victorian Courtyard at Manor Farm, Oldcotes. This has since developed into a destination spot for visitors to eat and shop, whilst also providing new business tenants a safe and supportive environment to grow and expand their very own enterprises. 
Having acquired a second leisure site this year at Torworth Lakes, Abi still continues to pursue new business opportunities and challenges. She remains deeply passionate about leveraging her skills and experiences to inspire and empower others in their professional endeavours. 



Nikki Jones
Director of University of Sheffield, AMRC Training Centre
Nikki is currently the Director of the University of Sheffield’s flagship AMRC Training Centre. Prior to this Nikki was the Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at a Further Education College and has held senior management roles across the sector.
Nikki holds a degree in Education and an MBA and is a highly experienced leader with more than 20 years’ experience in the education sector.
She has a passion for education and skills and is particularly interested in collaboration with strategic partners. Nikki has a strong belief in the power of education and skills as a way to transform lives.








Essjay Hartshorn
Owner of Essjay Permanent Cosmetics
Essjay is a recognised as an award-winning beauty business coach. With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Where she’s not only navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship but also sustained a prosperous livelihood. She specialises in empowering women within the personal care industry, guiding them to break free from traditional moulds and embrace their true worth.

Beyond coaching, Essjay also founded an eco-friendly makeup line, aligning her passion for beauty with sustainability.
 







Fiona Hately 
Customer Service Director - Unipart Rail 
Fiona started her career in the Rail Industry in 1995, when having graduated from university she started work in Customer Service at the National Rail Enquiries Call Centre in Newcastle.
Time spent at National Rail Enquiries gave Fiona a solid grounding in the delivery of sales and customer service and helped her develop the skills which she took forward into her next roles in Account Management, working initially within the electronics industry and then subsequently for Pandrol Rail Fastenings in Worksop.
 
Following a career break as a full time Mum to her three children, Fiona spent a short time working in Sheffield’s steel industry before heading back into the Rail Industry and joining Unipart Rail in 2014. In the last 10 years she has advanced her career holding several senior roles such as Head of Relationship Management, Head of Business Development, Customer Service Director and most recently Sales Operations Director.  Fiona leads a team responsible for sales delivery and excellence in customer service to Unipart Rail’s customers across the rail industry both in the UK and Internationally.