WHO
Past Panellists
Abigail Reid, Merwave.
With no experience in haircare, Abigail built Merwave with just her husband, turning a lockdown idea into £5m in sales and over 150,000 kits sold.
As the face (and hair) of the brand, she’s faced social media trolling, gone viral on multiple occasions, and grown a fiercely loyal community in one of the most competitive markets and now, they’re ready to scale.
She’ll share the unfiltered truth about the highs, the hurdles, and staying true to her vision.
Rebecca Minchella, Maven Capital Partners.
We’re excited to announce Rebecca Minchella will be joining us on the panel. Leading the way for supporting female entrepreneurs in the North East, we will discuss her story so far of creating a more inclusive investment landscape, ho she helps businesses unlock funding for growth, supporting entrepreneurs through the challenges of scaling a business and creating more spaces for women at the table.
Nina Walton, Transforming brands and The Lifted Project.
Nina Walton is joining us on the panel, and we’re excited. With over 20 years of experience within the corporate world working in one of the big 4's, she’s now Co-Founder of Transforming Brands with her business partner, Sarah McCrady.
Nina is also Vice Chair at The Lifted Project Newcastle, who use an ecosystem led approach to increasing the flow of capital to regional, high growth female founders.
Becky Langley, Newcastle United Women's Football Club.
Becky leads NUWFC with steady ambition & a clear plan. Since taking the reins at Newcastle United Women, Becky has led the club through a transformative rise, guiding the team to back-to-back promotions and into the Women’s Championship as a fully professional side. With over 38,000 fans turning out for the first women’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, surpassing previous Championship records. Becky’s work is helping redefine what’s possible for women’s football in the North East.
Fundraiser for Smart Works Newcastle
Smart Works Newcastle is a charity that exists to empower all women who need help getting into work. Using the power of high-quality clothing and one-to-one coaching, they help unemployed women fulfil their potential, get the job, and transform their lives. Last year Smart Works Newcastle supported over 700 women into employment and 68% secured a job within a month of their appointment, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.
