Students attend GM Business Growth Hub’s 2025 International Women’s Day Event

Ashton Sixth Form College students were invited to attend Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub’s annual ‘International Women’s Day Event’ for 2025. The conference consisted of talks from two guest speakers, followed by two engaging panel events with a range of inspirational speakers from a variety of sectors.

This year’s theme ‘Acceleration Action’ was central in discussions. Many speakers shared their personal and professional experiences; there was lots of thought-provoking reflections to highlight awareness regarding women’s equality, especially in the workplace. However, there was also emphasis on celebrating people’s achievement and the challenges they have overcome.

At the end of the event, students had the opportunity to ask questions to a number of the speakers including former CEO of IKEA UK & Ireland and China, Gillian Drakeford MBE. Students talked about their career aspirations, next steps and their takeaways from the morning.

The event also fitted with National Careers Week. One guest speaker, Susanna Lawson, Co-founder of Circle of Trust and OneFile, discussed the importance of work experience for students and identifying different roles within a sector.

“I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend the GM Growth Business Hub's International Women's Day 2025. I have gained many insights on how despite being a woman, I am still able to achieve a lot within male dominated fields. Not only that, but the importance of speaking up to ensure my ideas and opinions are heard. I was also able to speak with women from successful backgrounds and gain advice from their many years of experience”

Khadija, Ashton Sixth Form College student