Thetford Garden Centre welcomed a group of local women in business on 6th March to mark International Women’s Day with a relaxed Coffee and Connections networking session.
Guests, including local influencer Dinky In Norfolk, were welcomed with a breakfast buffet prepared by the Lime Kiln Kitchen team before taking part in informal discussions and networking.
The event followed a successful launch in 2025, with attendees highlighting the importance of creating more regular opportunities for women to connect, rather than relying on an annual gathering.
Addressing guests, Thetford Garden Centre Managing Director Lucy Nixon spoke about the ongoing challenge of gender inequality: “According to the World Economic Forum, none of us will see gender parity in our lifetime, and likely not our children either. It’s a sobering thought.”
“As a child growing up in the 1980s, I wasn’t aware of these barriers. Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, the Queen was, well, the Queen, and both my parents ran this business together. My Scottish granny was a formidable woman.
“It wasn’t until I began running the business myself that I truly understood the disadvantages women can face; but acknowledging this is the first step toward change. Building confidence, finding allies, and creating spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued is how we shift the culture.”
The session continued with discussions around this year’s theme, “Give to Gain”, focusing on mentorship, building connections and supporting one another.
Attendees represented a wide range of sectors, including accountancy, publishing, health and wellbeing, training, manufacturing, local government, education and charities.
