‘Be useful, be confident, be hopeful’ – Suffolk Mind celebrates International Women’s Day 2026

Suffolk Mind celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 a little early with this key event at Ravenwood Hall, Rougham, on Wednesday 25 February, bringing people together for a morning of networking, thought leadership, and lively discussion.

Our panel of special guests of leading and influential people from across Suffolk spoke of the challenges and opportunities they each face.

Three women in leadership joined on our panel: Sophie Alexander, Women in Construction Anglia; Mandy Errington, DJV Boutique & President of East of England Co-op; and Charlotte Giddings, Brownie & The Bean. They were joined by Steve Flory, Hudson Group and Jon Reed, Paddy & Scotts.

More than 80 people were welcomed by Clare Taylor, Vice Chair of the Board, Suffolk Mind, with an introduction to women’s wellbeing from Charlie Green, Deputy Head of Education & Training, Suffolk Mind to start the morning.

Emma Proctor-King, Churchmanor Estates, and Suffolk Mind Ambassador, led the guest interviews.

Highlights included wise words from the panel for their younger selves, with Mandy Errington saying, ‘You will survive and thrive through business, no matter how hard it might get, if you don’t give up.’

Clare Taylor said, ‘We knew we wanted to celebrate International Women’s Day, but we also wanted to go one step further by speaking openly about the challenges and opportunities women, and young people of every gender, face here in Suffolk.

‘We’re lucky to have so many women in leadership roles in Suffolk, and we wanted to explore how they balance their wellbeing, family, and their goals.

‘Events like this, hosted by Suffolk Mind, are important not only to bring people together, but to be a safe place to explore ideas, stories and hopes for the future of Suffolk and its people.’

Jon Neal, Chief Executive, Suffolk Mind, added, ‘Bringing together a panel of businesspeople from diverse industries and backgrounds meant that we heard inspirational stories, as well as insights into what the future might look like for generations to come.’