On Friday 6 March, women in business from Cumbria and across the UK will come together in the Lake District for an International Women’s Day built around something many say they’re missing; time, space and the right people around the table.
Hosted by Pink Link at the Lakeside Hotel overlooking Lake Windermere, this year’s International Women’s Day responds to the realities women face when growing businesses and careers. It’s designed to create time and space for meaningful connection to step away from the noise, build relationships that matter and spend a full day learning, sharing and connecting with women who genuinely want to see each other succeed.
The theme, Give to Gain, reflects a simple but powerful truth. When women share insight, experience, opportunity and encouragement, growth accelerates. Community isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a business advantage.
The day event, powered by Porsche Centre South Lakes, is centred on learning, inspiration and practical support. Visionary entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist Gillian Ashcroft headlines the daytime programme, bringing insight shaped by building and scaling purpose-led ventures across care, education, property and technology. Known for redefining success through long-term impact and responsibility, Gillian is also the force behind Essential Care, The Think Tank Academy and The Succeed App which is focused on creating real opportunity and clear pathways for the next generation at the moments that matter most.
The day is intentionally designed to flow. With lunch and refreshments served throughout, conversations don’t stop between sessions, they continue around tables, over coffee and in the quiet moments where real relationships are formed. It’s networking without pressure, built naturally into the rhythm of the day.
Alongside keynote insight, the day features masterclasses tackling challenges women regularly face but are rarely taught how to navigate. From being seen in a way that leads to income and impact, to owning confidence as a strategic asset, strengthening digital security and building sales systems that feel human rather than forced. These sessions are practical, honest and designed to be used straight away, with the added value of learning alongside peers who understand the journey.
The Visibility Lounge is a buzzing hub where social media strategists, content creators, PR professionals, photographers, podcast hosts and marketing experts come together to help women raise their profile, sharpen their message and amplify their voice while building relationships that extend far beyond the day itself. It’s collaborative, generous and rooted in the Give to Gain ethos that runs through the entire event.
The Lakeside Hotel offers light-filled spaces, calm surroundings and delicious food, with a dedicated chill-out zone away from the buzz. The Lake House is a place to pause, refuel and have unpressured conversations; no agenda, no expectations.
As the day draws to a close, the experience shifts into a more intimate evening event, delivered in partnership with Renes of Lancaster. Nadine Merabi headlines the evening, sharing her journey from England hockey player to self-taught designer and founder of a globally recognised fashion brand. Frustrated by poor fit, lack of originality and overpriced occasionwear, Nadine set out to create pieces that celebrate confidence, individuality and glamour. Inspired by her Lebanese heritage and British upbringing, her work is rooted in craftsmanship, creativity and empowerment, with a brand that resonates with women worldwide and continues to shape the modern occasionwear landscape.
The evening begins with a drinks reception in the conservatory as the sun settles over the lake, followed by private dining in The Oakroom. Over a three-course dinner, conversations deepen, ideas land and connections strengthen. An after-dinner speaker will inspire and energise guests for the year ahead, before the night naturally continues with relaxed conversation in the bar. Connection happens naturally, through conversation, shared insight and time well spent together.
Coral Horn, founder of Pink Link said “This isn’t about stepping away from business, it’s about strengthening it. The right environment creates the right conversations, and those conversations lead to collaboration, clarity and opportunity. That’s why the setting, the conversations, the content and the people all matter.”
Pink Link’s International Women’s Day is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen alone. That investing time in your network is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make. That your story might be exactly what another woman needs to hear and that the connection you’ve been waiting for could already be in the room.
If you are interested in being part of the day and evening, you are invited to get in touch for details on attending and to join a community built on visibility, confidence and shared success, contact Pink Link on 01772 348309 or visit the website https://www.pinklinkladies.co.uk/international-womens-day-2026/
