
2026 International Women’s Day
Friday 6 March, Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria
Day Event – 9:30am to 3pm – Guest Speaker, Masterclasses, Exhibitors, Refreshments and 2 course Lunch, Networking
Evening Event – 6pm to 9:30pm – Guest Speaker, Drinks Reception, Private Dining with 3 course Dinner, Networking

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating a theme that sits right at the heart of the Pink Link community. Give To Gain.
Because when women share their time, insight, lessons and encouragement, everyone moves forward. Your success lifts someone else. Their win inspires yours. That’s the power of women backing women.
This year isn’t about sitting quietly and taking notes. It’s about generosity in action, learning from each other, supporting each other, and building momentum side by side.
And if you’ve ever been to one of our events, you already know: the magic happens in the room.
Guest Speaker (Day) – Gillian Ashcroft

From Liverpool roots to global impact, Gillian Ashcroft is a visionary entrepreneur redefining what success looks like in modern business. A founder, investor and philanthropist, she builds ventures that don’t simply grow – they create lasting change.
Gill’s entrepreneurial journey spans property, retail, hospitality and care, driven by an unwavering belief that business can be a powerful force for good. Her most recognised venture, Exceptional Care, transformed that belief into action, creating therapeutic homes that place dignity, safety and opportunity at the centre of care for vulnerable young people.
Today, Gill continues to shape the future through education, technology and mentoring, championing access, empowerment and long-term impact. Bold in vision and grounded in humanity, she represents a new generation of leadership – one that measures success not just by scale, but by the futures it helps to build.
Guest Speaker (Evening) – Nadine Merabi

From England hockey player to self-taught designer, Nadine Merabi’s journey is deeply rooted in determination, creativity, and a passion for making women feel their best.
Frustrated by poor fit, lack of originality, and overpriced occasionwear, Nadine set out to change the game, creating bold, one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate confidence, individuality, and glamour.
Inspired by her Lebanese heritage and British upbringing, Nadine’s timeless glamour took the fashion industry by storm through decadent finishes, signature flared and tulip silhouettes and custom sourced fabrics.
As Creative Director, she leads with heart, championing craftsmanship, community, and a belief that fashion should empower not just how you look, but how you feel.
Why Give To Gain Matters
Women uplift one another every single day, often quietly, behind the scenes, but this year, we’re putting the spotlight right on it.
Giving might look like:
- sharing a contact or opportunity
- passing on a lesson you learned the hard way
- supporting someone new to the room
- making an introduction they didn’t know they needed
- showing up, speaking up, or championing someone who deserves it
And what do we gain? Confidence. Community. Clarity. Momentum. A ripple effect that carries far beyond one event.
This day is your spark, and your reminder that generosity accelerates us all.
What to expect – The Day Event (9:30am to 3pm)



Inspiring Keynote Speaker
A speaker who truly embodies Give To Gain, generous with their story, their lessons and their lived experience.
Masterclasses
Practical, energising workshops designed to strengthen you and the women around you. Expect sessions on leadership, visibility, confidence, communication, strategic thinking and more.
Connection With Purpose
Meet women who are here to share, support and collaborate.
Not small talk, meaningful networking with people who get it.
Delicious Lunch and Lakeside Setting
Enjoy a beautiful lunch on the shores of Lake Windermere, with space to breathe, reflect and recharge.
Day Event Partner – Porsche Centre South Lakes

Porsche Centre South Lakes, offering an enhanced experience for Porsche enthusiasts. Our 3-acre facility features an expanded showroom, a state-of-the-art workshop, and a dedicated handover bay. With over six decades of Parker family service, our team is committed to providing an exceptional customer experience. Visit us to explore the latest Porsche models, benefit from our expert vehicle technicians, and enjoy the comfort of our Café Bar and children’s area. Contact us today to be a part of the legacy that has been serving customers’ Porsche requirements since 1957. Call 01524 911911 or email info@porschesouthlakes.co.uk.
The Visibility Lounge – Sponsored by AJP Social Studio
A buzzing hub where social media strategists, content creators, PR pros, photographers, podcast and marketing experts come together to help you raise your profile, sharpen your message and amplify your voice while championing others to do the same.
And For 2026… We’re Making It a Full-Day Experience
Because when the energy is this good, you don’t want to go home.
Masterclasses

How to Be Seen So You Can Make More Money and a Greater Impact
Visibility isn’t about shouting louder or chasing algorithms. It’s about being seen by the right people, for the right reasons.
In this powerful and practical masterclass, Sarah Stephens of Tree Communications will introduce her Be Seen Method, a proven approach that teaches entrepreneurs and professionals how to do their own PR with confidence, clarity and authenticity.
This session is ideal for business owners who know they have something valuable to offer but feel unsure how to put themselves forward, whether that’s with the media, collaborators, clients or wider audiences. If you want to be remembered, respected and chosen, this masterclass will give you the tools to make that happen.

Main Character Energy
Alice Potter of AJP Social Studio is a recognised expert in confidence-led visibility and personal branding, She brings over a decade of experience helping business owners step out of the background and into intentional, confident leadership.
Her talk, Main Character Energy, reframes confidence as a strategic business asset and blends lived experience with real client transformations to show what’s possible when visibility meets self-belief. Expect an honest, energising and deeply empowering session that challenges outdated narratives around confidence, cuts through the noise of performative marketing, and leaves audiences feeling clear, capable and ready to own their voice, presence and authority.

Strong, Secure, Unstoppable: Women & Social Media Safety
Sue Johnson of Intersect helps women protect what they’ve built by strengthening their digital and social media security. From hacked accounts to impersonation and data breaches, everyday risks can quickly damage visibility, credibility and confidence.
In this masterclass, learn how social media accounts really get compromised, how everyday tools like linked accounts and third-party apps increase risk, and the practical steps women can take to secure their accounts and respond confidently if something goes wrong so you stay visible, secure and unstoppable.

Sales: The Blended Way
Let’s get one thing straight – sales doesn’t have to feel awkward, pushy or uncomfortable.
In this straight-talking, practical masterclass, Kerry Boland, Founder of The Growth Coaching Collective, will show you how to blend smart sales processes, simple automation and real human connection to create a sales approach that actually works, and feels good doing it.
With 20 years’ experience in sales, from corporate tech and recurring revenue models to mentoring ambitious business owners, Kerry will cut through the noise and show you where sales really breaks down, and how to fix it fast. You’ll learn simple tweaks that increase leads, improve conversions and create momentum without relying on hustle, guesswork or overcomplicated systems.
This session is for business owners who are ready to stop avoiding sales, stop overthinking it, and start selling with clarity, confidence and consistency. Expect practical tools, honest insight and strategies you can put into action straight away.
If you want smoother sales, stronger results and more time freedom in your business, this masterclass is for you.
The Lake House – A space designed to support, not sideline



The Lake House at Lakeside Hotel & Spa offers something rare during a busy day… permission to pause. A converted boathouse sitting quietly on the edge of Lake Windermere, it’s calm, light-filled and grounded. Separate from the buzz. No agenda. No pressure.
This is a place where:
- no one expects networking
- no one expects conversation
- no one expects you to be “on”
Just space to breathe, reflect, or simply sit with a cup of tea and the view.
Charity Partner

Headway Lancaster & Morecambe Bay is a branch of Headway….the brain injury association.
They support members with an acquired brain injury together with their families and carers.
Every 90 seconds someone in the UK is admitted to hospital having suffered a brain injury either through accident or illness.
They offer support, advocacy and a social network. Members can work at or visit our allotment with lunch or afternoon tea on occasions. They hold weekly meetings in Morecambe and a monthly Drop In with a wide variety of speakers and activities. They have an annual residential weekend away in Keswick and offer a choice of day trips out.
Life with a brain injury can be a very lonely place. Headway aims to make everything feel so much better in the company of friends!
The Evening Event
Friday 6 March, 6pm to 9:30pm, Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria
As the sun settles over the lake, we’ll ease into the evening with a drinks reception in the conservatory the perfect backdrop for relaxed conversations and new connections.



Then we move into The Oakroom, a private dining experience designed to spark deeper conversation over a delicious three-course dinner.
You’ll hear from an after-dinner speaker who will inspire, motivate and fuel your ambition for the year ahead.
No forced networking.
No awkward table small talk.
Just brilliant women – and allies, great food, real conversations, and yes, we’ll absolutely carry this energy into the bar afterwards.
This is where relationships strengthen, ideas land, and collaborations are born.
Evening Event Partner – RENES OF LANCASTER
RENES has always been about more than clothing. It is about confidence, individuality, and personal style at every stage of life. Over 70 years, they have grown not just a boutique, but a space where women feel welcome, understood, and celebrated.
That sense of care extends well beyond the shop. Supporting local charities, community initiatives, and causes close to home is a core part of who we are, reflecting a culture of connection and contribution that matters deeply to me.
This event brings together everything RENES value. Respect for the foundations laid by those before us and a shared commitment to creating opportunity and confidence for the next generation of women. When women build businesses, support communities and lead with purpose, the impact reaches far beyond commerce.
Why Be in the Room?
Because growth doesn’t happen alone.
Because investing in others accelerates your own journey.
Because your story might be exactly what another woman needs to hear.
And because someone in that room could be the connection you’ve been waiting for.
Give To Gain reminds us that the more we share, the more we rise, together.
Join Us
Places are limited and this event always sells out.
Secure your place and be part of a powerful International Women’s Day celebration rooted in generosity, ambition and community.
The Venue

SPECIAL OFFER – Why not stay over at the stunning Lakeside Hotel? We have a fantastic discounted offer for our guests over 30% off the usual room rate – Twin Room for 2 guests £140 with Breakfast / Single Room £130 with Breakfast! Treat yourself to a Spa Treatment and save 20% when pre-booked! 20% discount on pre ordered wine for the event (must be pre booked one week prior). Dog friendly. Email garethmorris@classiclodges.co.uk
Complimentary Lake Cruise for the first 30 who book the Evening Event with the overnight stay (Thursday 5 March or Friday 6 March).
Marketing Opportunities
Position your brand as a champion of female entrepreneurship, empowerment, and gender diversification and showcase your business! From lead sponsorship to expert exhibitor packages, we offer high-visibility positions for brands ready to be the trusted name women turn to when planning their exit.
All prices shown incl VAT – looking for a bespoke package to promote your brand? Let’s talk.
Interested in Pink Link Membership – ask about our great Member benefits and discounts.
DAY SPONSOR
SOLD OUT
Opening Address / Logo on presentation
2 Tickets 2 course lunch
2 Tickets 3 course dinner
Refreshments
Exhibitor Stand in main room
Banner placement in dining room
VIP seating
Logo/bio on webpage
Inclusion in presentations to promote the event at all Pink Link network meetings
Social media coverage with custom made graphics
Featured in Online Event Guide
If you are a car dealership, we could also offer:
Prominent Car Display external
Test Drive Facility
Test drive info sent to all attendees
SOLD OUT
ROOM SPONSOR
1 Opportunity
2 Tickets 2 course lunch
Refreshments
Branded Signage for Room
Banner placement in Room
Social media coverage with custom made graphics
Inclusion in presentations to promote the event at all Pink Link network meetings
Featured in Online Event Guide
£1000 Member
£1200 Non-Member
MASTERCLASS
SOLD OUT
30 min Masterclass / Workshop
Ticket with meals & refreshments
Your logo with backlink on the dedicated Pink Link webpage
Masterclass spotlight in our email marketing and social media platforms
Inclusion in presentations to promote the event at all Pink Link network meetings
Social media coverage to promote both your involvement with the event and any product and services you offer
Featured in Online Event Guide
SOLD OUT
FULL DAY TICKET
Make new connections and expand your network, discover new resources and more!
Refreshments
2 course Lunch
Networking
Browse Exhibitor Stands
Speaker
£120 Member
£150 Non-Member
EXHIBITOR
First hand opportunity to showcase your products and services direct to the attendees!
Exhibitor Stand with tablecloth
Refreshments
2 course Lunch
Networking
Speaker
£240 Member
£300 Non-Member
EVENING TICKET
Enjoy an intimate evening with great conversation!
Drinks Reception
3 course Dinner
Networking
Speaker
£69 Member
£81 Non-Member
Friends and family rate
for Pink Link Members
EVENING SPONSOR
SOLD OUT
Be the brand that backs women loudly, proudly and without hesitation, the one they remember long after the night ends.
Exclusive Sponsorship
Drinks Reception
2 Tickets 3 course dinner
Banners in dining room/drinks reception
Branding on screen
Bespoke Marketing Package
Social media coverage with custom made graphics
£1000 (Contact for details)
SOLD OUT




