A special market day set up for new traders and budding entrepreneurs is returning to Loughborough later this year. The first Loughborough KickStart Market was held in May and it is coming back to the town centre on Sunday, 20 October. The successful pilot event was aimed specifically at young people aged 16 to 30 but this time around, the upper age limit has been removed to enable anyone to get involved. The initiative is being organised by Charnwood Borough Council’s markets team. Anyone interested in becoming a market trader or running a stall to support their new business can sign up, as well as students who want to sell items, display their work or get feedback on their business ideas. Alongside the market stalls, there will be a range of food outlets and entertainment, including live music. Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to offer budding market traders and entrepreneurs in Charnwood another chance to get involved in Loughborough KickStart Market." “The pilot event proved to be a great success and, this time, we are opening it up to adults of all ages to enable more people to get involved. If you run a small business with an online presence and want a chance to sell your products face to face or wish to promote the services that your business offers, please get in touch and sign up" “We also want to hear from you if you are interested in providing entertainment at the event.” At the pilot event, traders sold a variety of goods and services, including homemade jewellery and accessories, retro sweets, plants, toys, guitar tuition and sports injury and physio equipment. KickStart Market stalls will be free of charge on the day, but spaces must be booked in advance. The Council has arranged public liability insurance for the traders. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Two senior associate solicitors in the family law team at a south coast legal firm have each gained a top professional seal of approval. Georgina Emerson and Lauren Harley of Ellis Jones Solicitors have both passed specialist accreditation exams set by Resolution, the national family justice organisation. To achieve the coveted status, the pair had to complete a rigorous ‘core’ assignment covering all aspects of family law, sit exams for their individual specialisms and prepare a wider ‘portfolio’ of work to be assessed against strict competencies and Resolution’s code of practice. While there are around 1,300 Resolution accredited specialists across the country, both Georgina and Lauren have achieved the accreditation status comparatively early in their careers. Georgina, who qualified as a solicitor in March 2021, has gained a specialist accreditation in the subjects of international child abduction and complex matrimonial finances. Georgina has a growing reputation in the field of international child abduction. She sits as an officer on the Child Abduction Lawyers Association (CALA) committee in London and volunteers her time as part of the CALA Duty Advocate Scheme, representing clients at the eleventh hour in the Royal Courts of Justice. She also sits on the Dorset Resolution Committee as the representative of YRes, the junior arm of Resolution. Georgina said: “I am proud of Lauren and I for passing the accreditation exams. It was a challenging and intense set of exams to sit but definitely worth it to achieve the accreditation status and promote the various specialisms that we as part of Ellis Jones’ Family Team can offer." “Gaining my specialist accreditation in Child Abduction reinforces Ellis Jones’ longstanding reputation as one of the very few law firms on the south coast that specialises in international child abduction.” Lauren, who qualified as a solicitor into the Ellis Jones Family Team in 2017, gained Resolution accreditation in complex matrimonial finances and private children law matters. She is a founding member of Dorset YRes, which launched in October 2019. Like Georgina she is involved in the Dorset Resolution Committee and she represents Dorset at Regional Committee meetings, which bring committees together from across the country to share ideas and offer mutual support. Lauren said: “We’re thrilled to have achieved accredited status. It further strengthens Ellis Jones’ family law credentials and our department’s work in seeking to find the best outcomes for families and individuals in cases of divorce, separation and family breakdown.” Both Lauren and Georgina were promoted to the level of Senior Associate Solicitor by Ellis Jones in July 2024. Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ Managing Parter, said: “Congratulations to both Lauren and Georgina on passing their Resolution specialist accreditation exams. These are tough, in-depth assessments of professional standards involving rigorous course work, exams and reflective work." “Achieving accredited status is a huge vote of confidence in Lauren and Georgina as it demonstrates independent national recognition of their strengths and expertise in family law.” Established in 1982, Resolution is a national organisation of more than 6,500 family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way and achieve better outcomes for both adults and children. The organisation describes specialist accreditation status as a ‘hallmark of excellence in family law practice, recognised by the public, fellow professionals, the judiciary and the Legal Aid Agency’. For more information on family law services from Ellis Jones Solicitors, visit here .

Williams Racing is proud to announce a new partnership with leading digital transformation company Globant. The New York Stock Exchange-listed organisation, with more than 29,100 employees and presence in 33 countries, is already a global partner of Formula 1 to elevate their digital experiences both for racing teams and fans and makes Williams its first team partnership in the sport. Founded in Argentina, Globant has moved quickly to join forces with Williams following the announcement that Franco Colapinto will drive for the team alongside Alex Albon for the rest of the 2024 season and as the team prepares to welcome Spaniard Carlos Sainz for 2025. Globant has supported Franco in his F2 campaign and becomes a partner on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix where he will become the first Argentine driver in F1 for 23 years. The partnership with Williams expands Globant's work with elite sports organisations, like Formula 1, FIFA, and the LA Clippers, with a focus on bringing fans closer to the action by applying the latest technology to digital experiences. Globant is another major partner to join Williams in 2024 as the team continues its transformation on and off track in pursuit of World Championship success. Since the turn of the year the team has also unveiled new partnerships with Komatsu, Keeper Security and VAST Data, and renewed its relationship with Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. James Vowles, Team Principal: “I am delighted to welcome Globant to Williams Racing as Argentina prepares to mark its latest milestone in Formula 1. This partnership unites two organisations driven by innovation and a passion to provide unrivalled experiences for fans, and we are looking forward to working together starting this weekend in Monza.” Martin Migoya, Co-founder and CEO, Globant: "We are proud to join Williams Racing, an icon of one of the world’s most technologically advanced sports globally. We love dreamers and Franco Colapinto has made his dream come true through his talent, determination and hard work." "Now that he has earned a seat in Formula 1 we want to keep supporting him and the team that nurtured him along the way. As Latin America’s largest technology company serving the global market, we are committed to transforming the sports industry, providing solutions to bring fans closer to the game, and elevating every experience.”

Children that have been out of routine sleep for six weeks may find it difficult to get back into routine after the summer holidays. While the adjustment might not work on night one, doing the right things will ensure that your child adapts as quick as possible. So, here are five tips shared by a sleep expert, Dr Deborah Lee, working alongside Get Laid Beds for making a smooth return to earlier bedtimes: 1. Create a gradual transition A sudden shift in bedtime can be stressful for children and might result in resistance. Begin the process gradually by setting both an earlier bedtime and wake-up time every few nights before the summer break ends. It's a good idea to start this process about two weeks before school starts as it requires practice and consistency to get it right. 2. Create a sleepy environment Ensure that your child’s bedroom is comfortable and distraction-free so that sleep is the main focus. Hot baths before bed are proven to help children fall asleep, and a previous Get Laid Beds study has also shown that half-an-hour of reading before bed is the best thing someone can do for a better quality sleep. 3. Limit screen time before bedtime Ensure that your children are avoiding screen time at least an hour before bedtime because they emit blue light and make it harder for both children and adults fall asleep. Instead, stick to books, podcasts, and audiobooks so that they’re not emitting blue light before bedtime. 4. Set a good example It’s not just the kids who need to discipline themselves after the holidays, parents also should be role models for kids at home by embracing good sleep habits as part of their post-holiday resolutions. Ensure that you’re not spending time on your phone or watching too much TV close to your own bedtime. Children will only question why you get to do that, after specifically telling them that they can’t. Perhaps suggest the idea of a family board game before bed, or even a walk around the block so that the whole family is embracing good bedtime habits. 5. Spend quality time with your kids Spending quality time with your kids makes it easier for them to fall asleep. Children can be unsettled at bedtime as they are often longing for attention. Asking them about their day or reading a book to them as they’re laying in bed are great options for you to all have some final quality time together before the next day begins.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium’s annual conference will hear from some of the sector’s biggest names, it has announced. The event will be held at Brooklands Museum and follows the successful Farnborough Air Show at which £81.5bn in deals were signed. Conference keynote speakers include Paul Griffiths, Head of Aerospace and Defence Team from the Department for Business and Trade, and Steven Cowan, Vice President of GKN. Delegates will also hear from and Melanie Davis, Head of Global Sourcing Compliance at GE Aviation, Cathy Davis, Technology and Innovation Sustainability Director of BAE Systems, and Paula Mielech, Head of Programmes at Beagle Tech Group. The conference will be themed around strategies for companies to enhance their bottom lines with a focus on productivity, sustainability and innovation as well as highlighting market and innovation opportunities. Alan Fisher, FAC CEO, said: “Conferences following the Farnborough Air Show always have an added buzz because of the deals which were signed. The speakers we have are big hitters in the aerospace, aviation and defence industries and will be of great interest to any business in these sectors and their supply chains." “Delegates will hear valuable opinions plus industry intelligence and sound advice about enhancing profitability and how to recognise and take advantage of opportunities." “Those attending will be able to learn about a brand new SME funding scheme from the Aerospace Technology Institute for R&D projects. Jacqueline Castle, Chief Technology Officer at ATI, will be speaking about that." “And there will be information about other funding available for novel ideas that have defence applications. There will be question and answer sessions as well as networking opportunities. Our conference is not just for members and all are invited to attend.” The conference will be held on September 12th between 9am and 3pm. Details are on the FAC website her e. Above photo: Alan Fisher, FAC CEO, and Graham Chisnall, FAC Chairman

The iconic Gloriana, a magnificent royal rowing barge steeped in history and tradition, has made a triumphant return to the picturesque St Katharine Docks, London. With its grand presence and regal aura, the Gloriana stands as a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, commissioned for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Lord Sterling of Plaistow, the visionary behind this noble project, and his team created this masterpiece, which captures the essence of British maritime heritage in only five months. The Queen herself bestowed the name 'Gloriana' upon this majestic vessel in memory of the name given by 16th-century poet Edmund Spenser to a character representing Queen Elizabeth I. Measuring 84 feet long and propelled by a team of 18 expert oarsmen alongside two electric engines, the Gloriana is a marvel of craftsmanship and elegance. The design, a nod to Canaletto's paintings of the 18th-century London barges, showcases intricate details and fine artistry in every aspect. A dedicated team, including naval architects Stuart Roy and Ed Burnett, project manager Damian Byrne MVO, and master-builder Mark Edwards MBE, poured their expertise into constructing the Gloriana using traditional methods. From the flooring sourced from sweet chestnut trees on King Charles's estate to the ornate carvings hand-finished in 23.5-carat gold leaf and fine painting, every element exudes a touch of royal splendour. Not to be overlooked are the meticulously crafted oars, the pride of the Gloriana's fleet, skilfully made by Windsor's own J Sutton Blades, a renowned firm with a legacy in crafting oars dating back to the 1970s. As the Gloriana graces the tranquil waters of St Katharine Docks once more, it serves as a symbol of unwavering reverence and admiration for the royal legacy it represents. A true gem of London's maritime history, the Gloriana continues to captivate all who behold its grandeur.

Williams Racing announces that Franco Colapinto will race with the team for the remainder of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season and will compete from the Italian Grand Prix alongside Alex Albon. He will use the race number #43. Franco is a member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy and made his FP1 debut in this year’s FW46 at the British Grand Prix. His F2 campaign this year has seen him secure a race win in Imola and podiums in the Barcelona and Austria Feature races, as well as seven further points-scoring outings. The 21-year-old will become the 49th Grand Prix driver for Williams Racing*, is the first Argentine driver in F1 for 23 years and the second Argentine to drive for the British outfit, following his countryman Carlos Reutemann.  The team would like to take the opportunity to thank Logan Sargeant for his hard work and contribution over the past two seasons. He has competed in 36 Grands Prix and, at the US GP last year, became the first American driver to score an F1 point since Michael Andretti 30 years prior. Logan will remain in the Williams family and we will support him to continue his racing career. Franco Colapinto: “It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of. The team has such amazing history and a mission to get back to the front which I can’t wait to be part of. Coming into F1 mid-season will be an enormous learning curve but I am up for the challenge, and I’m fully focused on working as hard as I can with Alex and the team to make it a success.”  James Vowles, Team Principal: “To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season." "We have just brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle. We also believe in investing in our young drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and Franco is getting a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of across the final nine rounds of the season." "This is undoubtedly incredibly tough on Logan, who has given his all throughout his time with Williams, and we want to thank him for all his hard work and positive attitude. Logan remains a talented driver and we will support him to continue his racing career for the future. I know that Franco has great speed and huge potential, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Formula 1.”

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust have jointly held a turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of work getting under way on site for a new Belper health centre. The event marks a key stage in the development of the new £15m hub for community health services in the Derbyshire town. It was attended by representatives from Henry Brothers and the Trust, including Trust chief executive Tracy Allen, who carried out the honours. She said: “Back in 2017 we first started talking publicly about the need for new community health facilities for Belper and it’s been a long and eventful seven years to reach this point, involving several changes of plan and a pandemic which put everything on hold. So, to be able to put the first ceremonial spade in the ground to start construction is a really fantastic moment." "It’s a tribute to the many people who have helped us reach this point. I can’t wait to see the architect’s plans come off the page as the building takes shape and becomes a purpose-designed environment for local people to receive a range of community health services for years to come.” The modern facilities – designed to have high environmental credentials to ensure long-term sustainability – are being built on the site of the former Belper Clinic, as part of the Babington Hospital site on Derby Road, Belper. Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust recently commissioned Midlands-based contractor Henry Brothers to deliver the new building over a planned construction phase of 66 weeks. It is being delivered through the Pagabo Major Works Framework. John Sowter, design and planning director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very pleased to have started work on site, marking a key milestone in the mission to provide new, state-of-the-art community health services in Belper." “It was an honour to host members of the Trust who have been pivotal in developing this scheme to an official turf-cutting ceremony and we are looking forward to delivering these new NHS facilities for the community of Belper.” The new health centre will include environmentally sustainable features such as photo-voltaic panels on the roof to harness the power of the sun, with pledges to use local and recycled material from demolished buildings in the build where possible, along with timber from certified sources. It is being built to BREEAM excellent standards to ensure long-term sustainability. The health hub will feature 15 consulting rooms, six treatment rooms, a health education group room and other facilities, and will provide a range of services including community nursing, midwifery clinics, podiatry services, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, continence advisory service, wound care and phlebotomy. Designed by architects Race Cottam Associates, it will accommodate all existing outpatient and clinical services provided at Babington Hospital. Other members of the construction team alongside Henry Brothers include project manager Capita, civil and structural engineer Eastwood Consulting Engineers, and mechanical and electrical engineers EP Consulting. Henry Brothers Construction, based in Nottingham, is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit  here .

Williams Racing is thrilled to announce that Dutch karting talent Dean Hoogendoorn will be joining the team’s Driver Academy for 2024 onwards. A 12-year-old from the Netherlands, Dean joins the Academy as its youngest member after a run of impressive results in karting. At the age of 9, Dean was the youngest winner of the WSK Super Master Race Mini Gr. 3 Class in history, a record that still stands today. Many notable achievements followed, including multiple WSK race wins, two victories at the WSK Final Cup, and 2023 WSK Euro Series OK-N Junior Champion. Progressing to the OK Junior karting class with Kart Republic in 2024, Dean achieved a third place in the prestigious WSK Super Master Series and fourth in the Champions of the Future Valencia. As part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, Dean will receive a host of support, training and guidance to nurture his skills and support his progression in the junior categories of motorsport. Williams is investing in the stars of the future through the Williams Racing Driver Academy, building on a proud tradition of giving young talent a path into F1. The Driver Academy nurtures talent, supports drivers as they grow and works with them on and off the track to develop the skills necessary to race at the top level. Dean Hoogendoorn said: “When I was four years old and drove for the first time in a go-kart, I knew one thing, I wanted to be a World Champion. This is what I live for and dream of and I work hard every day towards my goal. Racing is my passion and to become a part of the Williams family is a very proud moment for me. I will contribute whatever I can to the team and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.” Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Williams Racing: “Dean is an exciting young talent and we’re delighted to be welcoming him into the Williams Racing Driver Academy. He has had an impressive start in the karting world, progressing faster than most other drivers his age and challenging karters sometimes two years older than him. Dean has a bright future ahead of him and we look forward to supporting his development for the rest of 2024 and beyond.”

Faversham Hop Festival is back on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, with Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, returning as principal sponsor for another year. The Faversham-based independent family brewer and pub company has a host of hop-related offerings to top off the festivities through the weekend, including free beer and a rare glimpse into the brewery for families. The town will come alive with music across four stages and in pubs and other venues throughout the town, with more than 70 bands and acts performing, dedicated busker areas and morris dancing, along with a fairground, magic shows and more. A number of the brewer’s historic vehicles will feature in the morning parades through the town which traditionally open each day of the festival, organised by not-for-profit company Community Heritage Events Ltd., on behalf of Swale Borough Council. Shepherd Neame is also sponsoring the main Brewery Stage over the weekend outside its Court Street brewery, with a music line-up that runs throughout the day from 10.45am until 5.20pm. It has teamed up with Herne Bay artist Peter Gander to create a special Shepherd Neame Hop Spots map to help festivalgoers navigate the many venues and line-ups over the weekend, including its own nine pubs in the town. A digital copy of the map will be available online, and as a banner at selected Shepherd Neame pubs. Shepherd Neame’s popular brewery tours are normally only open to adults, but festival goers of all ages will be able to enjoy special family tours throughout the weekend. Tours will be held on both Saturday and Sunday, with a family tour for two adults and up to four children costing £35, and a traditional tour priced £23.50 per person. Mini tours will also be held at a cost of £18.50 per person. Beer lovers will be delighted to hear that seasonal favourite Late Red (4.5%) will be on offer at selected pubs during the weekend, alongside New World XPA (5.1%), the latest in Shepherd Neame’s Small Batch range of limited edition, craft keg beers. This year’s limited edition green hop ale Hop Pocket (4.5%) will also be unveiled at the festival. Beer is usually brewed with dried hops, but Hop Pocket is made using fresh green hops which go from bine to beer in a matter of hours, giving it a delicious aroma and earthy kick. Shift Brewer Scott Wilkins travelled the short distance from the Faversham brewery to Parsonage Farm, Boughton-under-Blean on Monday (August 19) to select and help pick the first hops of the year for the brew with farmer Antony Rudgard-Redsell. Pizza lovers can visit Shepherd Neame’s new Little Tom pizza wagon, which will be situated at The Limes in Preston Street over the weekend. Handmade sourdough pizzas will be on offer from 11.30am to 7.30pm on Saturday (August 31) and from 11.30am to 6pm on Sunday (September 1). And there’s also an extra treat on offer, with the fantastic prize of beer for a year up for grabs! Festival goers simply need to scan the QR code which will be found on posters around Shepherd Neame pubs during the weekend, and on the Hop Spots map. Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “Faversham Hop Festival is a brilliant celebration of our hop heritage in Kent, and Shepherd Neame has been proud to support the event since it was first held more than three decades ago. It provides a fantastic boost to our town, attracting thousands over the weekend, and we look forward to joining in the celebrations across our pubs and at the brewery.” For more information and a full line-up of bands at Shepherd Neame’s pubs, visit here.

Plymouth has appointed creative studio DNCO and economic consultants PRD to deliver a perception research programme highlighting how the city is viewed externally and to reshape its public image to appeal to crucial new audiences. The port has enjoyed increasing UK and international interest over the past decade since it was successfully branded Britain’s Ocean City in 2013. Now the rapidly growing maritime gem, which has seen visitor numbers soar by 25% over the period, is set to raise its profile further as a place to live, work and study as it aims to fill the predicted 5,000 posts required in key industries over the next five years. London-based DNCO, which specialises in culture and place, will take on the brief to refresh the brand and the city’s narrative. Destination Plymouth and Plymouth Growth Board Chairman, Richard Stevens says: “I am pleased to announce that DNCO was the winning agency. Their collaboration, passion and desire to work with us shone through and we are excited to start working with them to redefine our Britain Ocean’s City story to highlight the fantastic opportunities Plymouth provides for people to study, work and live here." “It’s anticipated that there will be more than 5,000 job vacancies over the next few years in areas such as marine, manufacturing, defence, offshore wind and health care and wellbeing as well as in creative, cultural and digital technologies. This piece of work will crucially underpin our emerging new Local Economic strategy which highlights the city’s growth potential. So, it’s vital that we showcase the opportunities the city offers and portray the outstanding quality of life here to their full potential. We’re looking to build on the positive perceptions of Plymouth and, as an evolving city, to take that message to some new audiences.” Deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, Jemima Laing said: “I’m really intrigued to see what insights this work will deliver and how we can use it to help the city grow and encourage more people to enjoy everything Plymouth has to offer.” Joy Nazzari, Founder of DNCO, adds: "Plymouth is an idyllic coastal destination — but it also has the right ingredients of a thriving city. As we embark on the rebranding journey, a renewed focus and vision will unlock unprecedented opportunities." “This transformation represents not just a change in narrative but a bold commitment to innovation, growth, and community engagement. We will leverage our experience getting resident and working with communities from San Francisco to Basingstoke to drive success for Plymouth, setting a new standard for excellence in our industry.” “We are immensely grateful to all our key funding partners, including the University of Plymouth, Plymouth City Council, Babcock International Group, Princess Yachts, The Box and Arts University Plymouth” - Richard continues –“whom, by working together in an innovative ‘whole-city’ approach for the first time to fund and deliver this crucial work for the city, have made this possible. “It’s their presence and work which allowed us to develop the brand-new strategy for our city, including securing research as an evidence base and refreshing Britain’s Ocean City’s place narrative.” John Gane, Babcock’s Managing Director for Devonport says: “As one of the biggest employers in the area, we’re pleased to be supporting Destination Plymouth. Babcock has fantastic career opportunities that are diverse and out of the ordinary, supporting work of national importance - another fantastic reason to live in Plymouth.” For centuries, Plymouth has been a place of innovation with a deep connection to the ocean, a rich history and an important cultural landscape. Today it is a vibrant waterfront city with a unique maritime heritage, thriving, globally significant businesses and an internationally-recognised academic and cultural heart. Plymouth Sound is also the site of the UK’s first National Marine Park – forging closer connections with the ocean, supporting the opportunity to learn to care about our coastal environment and change the way we behave in order to protect it. Image Credit: Jay Stone

Businesses are being invited to sponsor a female employee or apprentice to be part of a new event packed with inspirational speakers, in Warwickshire next month. The inaugural Raise Up Conference, organised by the Leamington Soroptimists, will hear from a dozen leading lights in the worlds of business and charity in south Warwickshire, whilst also fundraising for local causes. And organisers say it opens the door to an experience that’s both uplifting and empowering to women in the workplace. The speakers’ deeply personal tales will touch on a host of topics, from physical and mental health challenges, through to bullying, addiction, grooming, misogyny and physical abuse. All proceeds from the day will also support Warwickshire-based charities The OurJay Foundation, Esther Project and New Futures Nepal. The event, on September 29th is the latest passion project of Soroptimists President – and Leamington podcaster and author – Catherine Williamson, whose Gobsmacked! Podcast is also dedicated to celebrating inspirational life stories, and has now been heard in more than 113 countries. Catherine said: “As a business, investing in a sponsorship for the Raise Up Conference is more than just a ticket—it's an opportunity to inspire and catalyse the next generation of leaders and volunteers in our community. By sponsoring a place for a woman, you’re not only providing her with access to inspiration and practical tools, but also investing in the future of our local workforce and community. Let’s come together to raise up and equip those who will drive positive change in the years to come.” She added: “The conference is designed to resonate with anyone who values resilience and the power of overcoming obstacles. Whether you’re a leader nurturing the next generation or someone seeking inspiration in your own life, this conference will serve you tremendously." “Each speaker is a Soroptimist who has transformed their hardships into strength and faced significant personal challenges—whether it’s overcoming chronic exam anxiety, surviving bullying and grooming, or enduring six heart attacks.” Compered by Catherine, inspirational keynote speakers throughout the day are: Hannah Simnett, from Sutton Coldfield. Hannah is the Founder and CEO of Cherished, a Birmingham-based charity dedicated to empowering and supporting young girls in her community who felt marginalised or bullied. Drawing from her own experiences, Hannah has transformed personal pain into a powerful purpose and is an award-winning leader and speaker who has inspired countless women to overcome obstacles. Recently, her work was also recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, often described as the MBE for charities. Lianne Kirkman, from Leamington For nine-and-a-half years Founding CEO of Helping Hands Community Project in Leamington, Lianne has recently stepped down from that role in order to focus on The Esther Project, a new initiative providing gender-specific supported accommodation for women affected by trauma and abuse, which often results in homelessness, addiction, and criminal behaviour. Her journey began after she overcame a significant mental health crisis, which inspired her to set up the project as a way to give back to the community and support others facing similar struggles. She is also a recipient of a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Sally Bee, from Stratford-upon-Avon By 36, Sally had survived her first three heart attacks and is now a proud member of the six Heart Attack Survivors Club. Despite living with a potentially fatal heart condition, Sally channels her experiences into positivity, sharing life tools through her bestselling books, TV shows, and online club. Her ITV Daytime health segments broke records, with over 1.2 million downloads in a week and her new chat show, ‘Don’t Go Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly,’ is a popular watch. Dr Mandy Barnett, from Leamington A psychology graduate, clinical educator and retired consultant physician, Dr Barnett has worked for over 30 years in the NHS and as an Associate Clinical Professor at Warwick Medical School. Based on her own experiences as the mother of two children with Tourette's Syndrome, she published a guidebook for parents called 'It's NOT All About Swearing! A Practical Guide to Tourette's Syndrome for Parents in a Post-Pandemic World.’ Nicola Enoch, from Leamington Two years after giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome, Nicola established The Ups of Downs, a charity which now works with around 70 families. This was followed, in 2017, by the launch of Positive about Down syndrome, a website and social media support network accessible to parents worldwide, and is now part of the national charity Down syndrome UK. Julie White, from Coventry Julie is the owner and MD of D-Drill & Sawing with branches across the UK, and holds a series of key industry titles, including chair of Build UK and the first female chair of The Drilling and Sawing Association. Julie is also a previous winner of the Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year – following in the footsteps of Karren Brady, and is a familiar face on national news programmes including BBC’s Question Time, The One Show, Daily Politics Show, BBC Breakfast, Sophy Ridge on Sunday and Sky News. Dayle Adams, from Leamington Dayle is a Reiki Master, Holistic Therapist, and Psychic Medium with a passion for end-of-life planning and spiritual growth, empowering individuals to face life’s transitions with peace, clarity, and celebration. Inspired by the death of a close friend, Dayle founded ‘Planning Ahead of Time’ - a service that encourages open conversations about loss and end-of-life planning – and ‘Night of Our Light,’ an annual event that celebrates the lives of lost loved ones. Tessa Morton, from Leamington Following an early career in acting and presenting, Tessa has spent the last 20 years growing her successful Tessa Morton Partnership, working as a trainer and coach advising and directing professionals with communication challenges. More recently she has qualified as a cognitive behaviour therapist and runs voluntary drama and social skills groups for young people on the autistic spectrum through not-for-profit organisation Act for Autism, a passionate advocate for the autistic community. Tamar Groenevld, from Leamington Tamar is a seasoned Wellness Expert, Personal Trainer, and Mind Coach with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in enhancing life experiences by aligning mental, emotional, and physical health. Tamar leads yoga and wellness retreats in the UK and Crete, focusing on energy healing and self-awareness. Visitors on the day will also have the chance to hear from other guest speakers to be announced, but including Zelda Wilson, from Hampton Magna and Saorise Welland, from Leamington. Zelda recently returned from her latest adventure - a 500km cycling trip on a fold-up bike over the Alps – despite still battling Grade 4 terminal cancer! Saorise found sobriety three years ago at the age of 26 and is now in the process of writing a book exploring her turbulent past with alcohol, drugs and an eating disorder. The Raise Up Conference takes place on September 29th at The Fold in Leamington. Tickets are £40, to include a light lunch. For more information about Leamington Soroptimists visit here .