The 8th National everywoman Conference was a great success, providing delegates with rare access through presentations, workshops and discussions to some of the UK’s most successful women in business – women who have taken an idea and through hard work and determination made it into a successful business.


This is what some of the delegates had to say...

"I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and your choice of panellists and speakers was breathtaking. I spoke to some wonderful women throughout the day, too, who made me think - and smile. All in all, a welcome dose of perspective, reflection, and inspiration in equal measure."

"Thank you for a wonderful day. My first everywoman conference but by no means my last."

"Thank you for a brilliant and useful day. Where do you find all these wonderful, amazing women!! I enjoyed myself very much and made some excellent contacts. Well done and thank you."

Karen Darby, serial entrepreneur – kicked off the day and shared her amazing ‘rags to riches’ story.

Karen is no stranger to challenges – having left school at 16 with one GCSE, she had various jobs, including working in a factory and then a call centre.  Adopting the mantra ‘do what you love and the money will follow’ Karen set up her first company, The Decisions Group, in 1983, followed by establishing a successful training and consultancy business and finally in 2002, Simply Switch.

Karen was perfectly placed to talk about how she has overcome adversity and the status quo to achieve success. In her inspiring talk, Karen told tales of her remarkable achievements and how her tips for business survival are so useful for getting through the challenging economic times ahead.

This was followed by a lively panel discussion on ‘Rising to the Challenge in Tougher Times’.

With more than 30 years experience and having built an incredibly successful global business - despite two recessions, Dame Mary Perkins kicked was perfectly placed to kick off proceedings by sharing her story and offering her advice on how to steer your business through the challenging times ahead.

The panel included Geeta Sidhu-Robb, Sharon Winter and Jan Smith, who shared their tips on rising to the challenge during tougher times.

Delegates also had the chance to attend two of four great workshops, covering topics ranging form creating and building a brand, the ins and outs of excellent customer service, employment aw in a nutshell and trading online for a growing business.

The day was rounded off by the wonderful Ruby Wax, who broke down myths and provided hints and tips on how to use positive thinking to create and build an authentic and successful business.