Over 80 women discussed how to be a successful entrepreneur at Richmond's first International Women’s Day event, held at the PayPal offices in Whittaker House.

Organised by Richmond Council and opened by Richmond's mayor, the theme for the day was “Be Bold! Be Brave! Change the World!”

The event also had a wide range of speakers and panellists who took the audience on an inspirational journey of lifetime challenges, setbacks and entrepreneurial successes.

Mayor Nancy Baldwin said: “What an inspirational event!

"We had an opportunity to hear from women who have had very different experiences on their entrepreneurial journey.

"Each of them have smashed barriers and overcome significant challenges to achieve success.

“This event was allowed us all to celebrate women in business and will hopefully inspire others to be brave and bold and start their own journey.”

Speakers included Shavata Singh – the founder of Brow Expert, Helen Roberts co-founder of the business support programme StartUp Richmond, Jeanette Kruger – from ZABRA, a charity that aims to collect and donate underwear to women who need it, Bryony Farmer - Founder of Precious Stars (eco-friendly menstrual products), Naomi Greatorex - Creator of HeathProtection Solutions (Heath Insurance advisors) and Samanta Bullock a London Fashion Week Model.

Attendees took part in a workshop discussing the challenges they have faced and ideas to overcome them.

The day concluded with a networking session, where the discussion about supporting each other, smashing the glass ceiling and changes at the ‘grass root level’ – stop stereotyping boys or girls – continued.

All the money raised from the ticket sales were donated to the Mayors charities: HomeStart and The Otakar Kraus Music Trust and ZABRA.

Attendees also donated a box full of their unwanted bras, which will be distributed overseas through the ZABRA network.