EVENTS
PICTURES: ROAM, courtesy of Ward Hadaway.
Panelists( from left) Rachel Burke, Nikki Sayer and Michaela Reaney with host Laura Wilson.
Ward Hadaway International Women’ s Day event, March 11 2026
WYNYARD HALL
GIVE TO GAIN
Investment in women is investment in stronger business – IWD panel
Business leaders from across Teesside gathered at Wynyard Hall to mark International Women’ s Day at a special event hosted by Ward Hadaway in association with the High Tide Foundation.
The event, attended by around 120 people, explored the theme of Give to Gain – not just financial investment, but the importance of investing in people, education and opportunity to empower women and strengthen organisations.
Under the sub-theme Empowering Women, Strengthening Business, speakers examined how access to education, development opportunities and alternative routes into careers can help women build confidence, capability and opportunity at every stage of their professional journey.
The event first featured a panel of three impressive students from Lift Unity City Academy in Middlesbrough – Stefan, Kenzie and Harry – who spoke passionately on stage to leading Tees businesswoman Claire Preston about their experience of the High Tide programme.
“ Talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’ t,” said Claire, citing the reason for High Tide’ s existence.
“ The impact of High Tide on local children was incredibly evident through the voices of the three fantastic students, who shared with the audience the difference that attending a High Tide careers programme has made to them.
“ It was a fantastic opportunity and experience for them. Their careers lead has since told me the boys have said it was the best day of their lives!”
Following the student panel, guests
8 | Tees Business
then enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea followed by an hour-long panel discussion with three influential regional leaders – Rachel Burke, Michaela Reaney and Nikki Sayer – hosted by Ward Hadaway employment partner Laura Wilson.
Opening the discussion, Rachel reflected on the importance of recognising achievements and using success to support others coming through the ranks, alluding to her winning the Tees Businesswoman of the Year award in 2025.
“ Being nominated was the really special part,” said Rachel, a senior leader at Tracerco.
“ I got to read the nominations that were put forward for me and how people felt about my impact on their careers or lives, and that was really special.
“ But every single one of us in this room is now in a position of privilege. It’ s our job to pay that forward, particularly for the young women coming behind us. If we don’ t do it, who’ s going to?”
Opportunity and intention were key themes highlighted by Opportunity Global CEO Michaela, who spoke about the importance of being deliberate in shaping a career and protecting personal wellbeing.
“ I think it’ s about getting very intentional with what you want to do with your life,” she said.
“ It’ s easy sometimes just to go through the motions and then suddenly wake up one day and think,‘ How did I get here’?
“ Life is really short and we need to be much more mindful about where we spend our energy, what we say yes to and what we say no to.”
Casper Shipping managing director Nikki highlighted the importance of mentorship and education in creating more inclusive industries, particularly in sectors where women have historically been underrepresented.
“ There’ s a massive range of opportunities out there, but people often just don’ t know about them,” she said.
“ Education has to start early. The more we can expose young people to different industries and career paths, the bigger and more diverse the talent pool becomes.”
Nikki also stressed the importance of leadership teams creating opportunities for others to develop and progress.
“ I’ ve got a team around me now that I mentor and support,” she explained.
“ It’ s about giving people opportunities to shine, giving them responsibility and letting them prove themselves.”
Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasised that investing in women benefits not only individuals but entire organisations and communities.
By supporting education, mentorship and professional development, businesses can build more resilient and sustainable teams while unlocking the full potential of their workforce.
As the event concluded, the message was that meaningful investment in people – particularly through opportunity, encouragement and leadership – remains one of the most powerful drivers of both personal success and long-term business growth.