Doncaster Chamber hosts South Yorkshire’s first Women in Business Gala

Yesterday evening, Doncaster Chamber hosted its first Women in Business Gala held at Bawtry Hall.

Guests arrived for an evening of networking, discussion and shared experiences focused on career development and progression.

Emma Ward, Head of Marketing and Events at Doncaster Chamber, commented:

“The Women in Business Gala was designed to complement Doncaster Chamber’s wider programme of events, offering a more formal evening setting where attendees can come together, enjoy an elevated venue experience, connect with other women in business, and still benefit from shared learning and conversation.”

The event opened with live entertainment from Doncaster-born singer Ella Jay, setting a relaxed atmosphere as guests began connecting ahead of the formal programme.

Following a welcome from the evening’s host, Amelia Banful, Head of Business Strategy at Enviro Electronics, and the first course being served, the opening panel session got underway. The session was chaired by Jill Wood, Managing Director of Signum Facilities Management and Vice President of Doncaster Chamber, who led a discussion with panellists Theresa Spencer, Chief Operating Officer at G2M Group, and Hannah Din, Chief Executive Officer at Thrive Social Capital CIC. The conversation explored the transition many women experience when moving into senior leadership, including the shift from day-to-day delivery to a more strategic focus, and how priorities evolve at different stages of a career.

Guests had time to reflect over the second course while networking and continuing conversations, before the next panel session featuring Natalie Gaylor, Ecommerce and Marketing Manager at R O Arnold, and Dr Bethany Rossington, Director of Renavé Aesthetics & Wellbeing Clinic. The discussion focused on personal branding, exploring how professionals can build visibility while remaining authentic and stand out in an increasingly growing digital space.

Dessert was served alongside further networking, before live entertainment returned as the evening came to a close.

The event ended with a strong sense of connection and shared experience, reinforcing the value of bringing women from across the region together to share experiences, build connections and continue developing within their careers.

The Doncaster Chamber remains committed to hosting and developing a calendar of events that bring businesses across the region together, support professionals within them, and provide opportunities for ongoing development, such as the upcoming Women in Business Brunch in November.