BUSINESSWOMEN from the town shared the secrets of their success at a special celebration to mark International Women's Day.

The event has been cancelled for the last two years because of Covid but returned with the theme of #BreakTheBias to raise awareness of equality and diversity around the world.

It was organised by digital marking company Total Guide to Ltd, which is celebrating its 10th birthday having expanded to cities across the country since it was founded by Liz Hutchings in 2012.

Swindon Advertiser: Total Guide to LTD, Scott Media and Wyvern Theatre were the main organisers of the event.Total Guide to LTD, Scott Media and Wyvern Theatre were the main organisers of the event.

"We are very lucky to be able to celebrate International Women's day," said Wyvern Theatre director Laura James.

“There are so many women in the world at the moment who are unable to do the same, so we should recognise just how privileged we are to be here today.”

Fiona Scott, director of Scott Media, hosted a raffle with prizes to raise money for the Red Cross' work for Ukraine.

When asked why International Women's Day is important, Danielle Holmes from Black Nova Design said that it allows her to showcase the work she can do by breaking the bias.

Kate Westbrook, a partner at law firm Thrings, added that the day takes us one step closer to women being seen as allies to men rather than inferior to them in the workplace.

"You shouldn't be proud for doing something well as a female but just for doing something well," said Laura.

Swindon 105.5 station manager and Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire Shirley Ludford led a panel which included Laura, Liz, Kate Westbrook and Karen Davison-Renouf, founder of ContactCORP.

Swindon Advertiser: Shirley Ludford, Karen Davison, Liz Hutches, Laure=a James and Kate Westbrook doing their panel.Shirley Ludford, Karen Davison, Liz Hutches, Laure=a James and Kate Westbrook doing their panel.

When asked by Shirley about what they had to say to women who are thinking about starting their own business or trying to advance their in their careers, Liz started the discussion by saying: "Just believe in yourself and be human."

Karen added: "Just don't quit. Take a break but don't quit when things get too hard."

Laura said: "There will never be a right time or a perfect to start, so just do it."

And Kate argued that you should surround yourself with the right people who both can help you grow and thrive from a business point of view, but that can also be there for you in your personal life.