WiP joins celebrity dancer for lunch

Women in Property will join networking organisation Forward Ladies on Monday for a lunch at the Midland Hotel in Manchester to celebrate International Women's Day.

Around 120 inspirational women from politics, business and entertainment are expected to gather at the hotel from 11.15am on 7 March.

Women in Property is a national organisation that seeks to enhance the profile of women in the sector.

Lisa Raynes, chairman of Women in Property North West, said: "'International Women's day is a great opportunity to celebrate women working in the North West. We're delighted to support Forward Ladies in bringing women from property and business together for this very special lunch."

Amongst the guest speakers are choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, who will give a talk about how she has overcome sexism and ageism following reports she was dropped from the BBC show for being too old.

Etta Cohen, Forward Ladies founder, said: "Many of our members are women with a wealth of experience, who are running businesses or working at all levels within companies, whatever their ages. With the retirement age rising, it is important to recognise what a valuable contribution all women will continue to make to the economy.

"Our members span all age ranges, and we felt Arlene has been such a dignified role model, that she would be an inspiration to all working women."

Phillips is joined by Penny Mallory, who was the first woman to race in the World Rally Championship, and Lady Catherine Meyer, wife of the former British ambassador to America, Sir Christopher Meyer.