A WILTSHIRE business group will host its first conference for women just days before International Women’s Day.

The Enterprise Network (TEN) in Swindon and Wiltshire has launched its first ever women’s business conference, in partnership with Wiltshire Business Support Service, which takes place on March 6.

The network, set up to support new and growing businesses, will host the event at Bowood Hotel near Calne on March 6.

Top female entrepreneurs from the world of confectionery, fashion and professional sports will be in attendance.

Manager of the Enterprise Network, Kate Forrest, said: “We’re delighted that top UK women entrepreneurs Jo Fairley founder of Green & Black’s chocolate, paralympian Steph Millward, Juliet Davenport chief executive of Good Energy, and Safia Minney MBE founder of sustainable fashion label People Tree, will be keynote speakers.

“This free full-day event at Bowood Hotel, near Calne will celebrate, inspire and motivate more than 150 women from throughout Wiltshire who are running a business or starting one, with a range of talks, workshops and networking opportunities.”

The event aims to combine the keynote speakers with workshops revolving around sales and social media training, she said, while businesswomen will also have the chance to network in the spa and enjoy an afternoon tea at the event.

Businesses will also have the chance to take part in an hour-long ‘pop-up exhibition’, which will allow them to showcase their companies for £20.

The Enterprise Network (TEN) in Swindon and Wiltshire is delivered in partnership with Wiltshire Business Support Service.

International Women’s Day will officially be held on March 8 and is a celebration designed to inspire women and celebrate female achievement through activity such as political rallies, business conferences and networking events.

The Enterprise Network Swindon and Wiltshire, is a £5.2m initiative led by Wiltshire Council with Government and EU funding.

The event is in partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon borough Council and part-funded by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

While attendance is free, delegates do need to pre-register online at www.theenterprisenetwork.co.uk/womensconference.