Two Wigan borough businesswomen, Nichola Howard and Jo Leigh, are relaunching the Business Expo Wigan this International Women’s Day.
After a four-year hiatus, the pair are breathing new life into the event, showcasing the resilience and determination of women in business.
The free-to-attend event will take place at The Edge on Tuesday, March 12 and invites business people at every stage of growing their company to network and attend skills workshops throughout the day.
Business owners will gain start-up advice from the Build A Business team at Manchester Libraries, finance know-how from event sponsors Simplify and marketing lessons from Apprentice semi-finalist, Lewis Ellis.
The event will conclude with a panel debate featuring award-winning Leigh business owners, Adam Vause and Tyldesley’s Antony Grace and Bury-based entrepreneur and Prince’s Trust Ambassador for their “women supporting women” campaign, Charlotte Knowles. The panel will be hosted by Standish-based social entrepreneur, Grace Dyke.
Nichola said: “After four years, we’re excited to bring the Business Expo in Wigan back to life. It seemed like the perfect time with this year’s International Women’s Day theme being all about inclusion – and the importance of advancing economic empowerment for women. As business women, we want all women to view business and entrepreneurship as a route to financial independence.
“But we believe this cannot happen without a village to help you grow your business.
“We are a survivor of the pandemic – 74% of events companies sadly failed to make it through – and we wouldn’t have made it without the support of other businesses in the borough who are all rooting for each other to succeed.
“Our goal is to create a space where all of Wigan and Leigh’s businesses can connect and feel supported to take on the challenges that running a business throws at them.
“It’s the perfect place to find opportunities, build meaningful partnerships, and invest in yourself and your local business community.”
The event will take place 10am to 3pm. To register for free, visit Launch Event North West’s Eventbrite page.
