Torbay businesswomen celebrated this International Women's Day

Devon businesswomen took centre stage as their achievements and contributions were celebrated this International Women’s Day.

For over a century, March 8 has been recognised worldwide as a day to honour the role and rights of women.

The 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ is an urgent call to prioritise equity, amplify voices, and quickly break down societal barriers.

The theme reflects concerns that progress in closing the gender gap remains too slow.

Local organisations such as Torbay Council, University Centre South Devon, and photonics specialist G&H highlighted the inspiring successes of businesswomen across the Bay and beyond.

Torbay Council hosted its second annual International Women’s Day event at the Livermead House Hotel on Friday, March 7. The sell-out event featured talks from influential women who have made lasting impacts in their respective fields.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Start-Up Torbay programme, led by Kim Thornton, Business Advisor at Torbay Council, the event's capacity increased this year thanks to sponsorship from Torbay Weekly, Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, South Devon College, and Superb, who filmed the event.

Jess Higgins, founder of IMPACT Coaching International, opened the event by sharing her journey from an 18-year career as a lawyer to becoming a business and leadership entrepreneur.

Above: Jess Higgins was a lawyer for 18 years before she became an entrepreneur

She said: “I was almost seen as a bit too soft, because women are naturally empathetic, kind, understanding, good listeners, able to build trust, and usually quite willing to be vulnerable, open, and coachable. Actually, what I’ve seen is that these are all really key leadership skills that make you a great leader and a really effective business owner.”

Jess, who is so passionate about making an impact that she has the word “impact” tattooed on her, highlighted the ongoing challenges of gender bias worldwide and encouraged using business and spending power to drive change.

A talk by Sam Garner, a speaker, trainer, and author on motivation and women’s empowerment, was met with cheers and applause.

Sam, who describes herself as “a fat, menopausal woman who has never climbed a mountain or run a marathon,” aims to make mental health simple and fun and wants everyone to accept themselves for who they are now.

She asked, “Why are we our worst enemies?” before explaining that our self-esteem is based on the environment we grow up in and our perceptions of the experiences that we have from a young age.

Sam said: “The key is, every single one of you in here is lovable exactly as you are now. You are phenomenal. You are worthy of love, you are deserving of love, and I want you to have the best relationship in your life with yourself. If other people around you cannot show you the love you deserve, that’s not because you’re not good enough. That’s because they can't, for their own emotional pain or reasons.”

The event also featured inspiring talks from Kate Gliddon, founder of FIR Construction Ltd, Lisa Tuck, Divisional Director of Economy, Environment, and Infrastructure at Torbay Council, and a start-up business panel with Sarah Anderson (Devonmade), Amy Chadney (Indie Brand Builder), and Demi Keenan (Demi Keenan Interiors).

Above: Start up business panel

Kate Gliddon founded FIR Construction after facing repeated workplace discrimination and being told women lacked the “technical capacity” to do the job as well as men.

Now 97 per cent female-led, the company is thriving and operates with the vision to empower women in the male-dominated industry.

Kate said: “We are completely changing the way we want the industry to be. We need to help each other and not be so competitive.”

Lisa Tuck highlighted that women are four times more likely to be interrupted at work than men, urging everyone to challenge their unconscious biases and do their bit to ensure that all voices are heard.

Karen Hall, production operator at G&H Torquay, was recognised for her key role in potentially the world’s “most advanced optical communication system”—the Laser Utilising Communication System (LUCAS) by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Above: Karen Hall, Production Operator G&H Torquay

Karen, who has been with G&H for 22 years, helped create the world’s first optical inter-satellite transmission with a 1.8 Gbps data transfer between satellites 40,000 km apart.

Karen said: “Working alongside the professionals at NEC Space Technologies was an absolute highlight. Overall, this project was technically challenging, but I felt very proud of our achievement at the end. It made me realise how rewarding it is to contribute to a project that made space history.

“Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches to STEM. The more diverse, capable minds we have at the table, the more novel our solutions will be. That’s how innovation is born, especially in technical fields.

Above: Karen receiving a certificate of her success. Image: NEC Certificate of Appreciation Presentation

“For all women in STEM, my message on this International Women’s Day is: take those opportunities, embrace the challenges, and let your results speak for themselves. The technology we create today because you said “yes” to STEM is building a better world!”

Another inspirational woman recognised for her work for the community is former University Centre South Devon student, Claire Knight.

Above:  Claire Knight was awarded a prestigious Honorary Fellowship for her work

Claire is the founder of Phoenix Rising, a non-profit domestic and sexual abuse charity in Torquay.

Prior to founding the charity, Claire worked as a domestic violence advisor, a senior health coach for the NHS, and a BSc sports coach and trauma-informed therapist.

She said: “As a society, we have the responsibility to educate ourselves and others about the signs of domestic abuse. To understand that abuse doesn’t just come from partners but can be family members too, that it isn’t always in the form of physical abuse, and that it can also be hidden and secretive—financial, emotional, and control.”

Last year, Claire was given a prestigious Honorary Fellowship award by the University Centre for her significant contribution to the college and the community as a whole.

She added: “Receiving the award for Honorary Fellowship was not just a personal milestone for me; it was a recognition of the collective efforts of passionate individuals in our team and the volunteers and students at Phoenix Rising Community Interest Company who believe in the power of giving back and have a passion for helping others.”

The charity aims to break the silence surrounding domestic abuse and validate the experiences of survivors. Claire is now planning to develop a course on healthy relationships and online safety for teenagers next year.