SHINE Network Events
SHINE Network – A place for every woman.
You can feel on your own at times, whether working on your career, running your business, or just managing life. SHINE is here to bring you to people who care. Get support and inspiration. Grow as an individual and connect with like-minded women. SHINE is about building relationships of value.
Scroll down to find our list of events and gatherings. There is always something happening so don’t miss out.
Shine! Be the exceptional woman you know you can be.

SHINE Network Christmas Lunch
Location: Winstanley House, Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 1HX.
Join us for our final event of the year. 2022 has been an amazing year with lots of changes, wonderful successes and many more women receiving the recognition they rightly deserve for the outstanding contributions in our communities and business sectors.
We’d like you to join us for our SHINE Christmas Lunch.
Date: Thursday 15th December 2022
Time: 12:15pm till 14:30pm.
Venue: Winstanley House, Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 1HX. Time
There is free onsite parking and it’s not far from the M1, Junction 21.
Here is how it works:
- Confirm by return if you’d like to join us. Send us an email to info@thewomensawards.com We need to confirm the numbers as soon as possible.
- Festive lunch menu: 2 courses £17.00
- A deposit of £5.00 per person is required by Winstanley House to reserve your place.
- Once you let us know you wish to join us, we will send contact you directly with further information.
Let’s celebrate the season together. Who would you like to say thank you to? Why not invite a friend?
We look forward to seeing you there.
SHINE Network – Inspiring Others – June
Location: The Falcon Hotel 7 High Street East Uppingham LE15 9PY
You’re invited to join us for our monthly networking event. We’re excited to be getting back on the road with what we’d call our roadshow to promote the amazing women in our regions.
The SHINE Network was grown out of The Women’s Awards and now we’re bringing together some amazing and outstanding individuals to share their journeys, interests and passions with you, in an environment of support, inspiration, connection, and growth.
Our networking events have two main goals:
To introduce you to The Women’s Awards which gives you the opportunity to find out more and ask questions. You even get to hear from some of our Winners and talk to our Founder, Sandra Pollock OBE about why she started these amazing Awards, and
To help you make some valuable contacts. The past two years have taught us that it’s really important to have good connections, to have people around us with whom we have the same values.
Individual growth and achievement are hardly ever done alone and that’s why we bring our amazing members and guests together.
We have some amazing guest speakers and collaborations coming up in the next few months, so you’re going to what to join us to be amongst the first to be in the know and get the opportunity to get involved. Why not join us?
This month we’re in the beautiful town of Uppingham, in Rutland at the Falcon Hotel, Sponsors of this month’s gathering.
Guest Speakers
Guest speaker will be Sue Grogan M.A. Award-Winning Business Health & Employee Needs Consultant and Founder of Joined-Up Working Associates. Sue is also Winner of The Women’s Awards – East Midlands Outstanding Women in Care Services 2019.
With many years working in the Care Services, Sue has seen the impact of change in our society on women working their way to develop their careers and their businesses.
Sue will be sharing her insights and reflecting on her journey to the place of success she has achieved today.
Join us for networking, inspiration and the opportunity to learn from others who have succeeded through strong.
Sandra Pollock OBE MA, Founder, The Women’s Awards, Open Mind Training & Development Ltd, Inspiring You CIC, and SanRoo Publishing. Sandra is also a Non-Executive Director on a number of Boards and an Equality Activist.
SHINE Network is open to men and women, even though our focus is on supporting female growth and development. SHINE is a unique network that focuses on supporting the whole woman.
So make sure you join us now that we’re getting back into the swing of holding our in-person networking events. Our in-person events will be taking place in a variety of venues and locations across the region. Invite your friends. SHINE with us.
Light refreshments of Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be provided.
SHINE Network – Inspiring Others – August
Location: Welland Park Academy Welland Park Road Market Harborough LE16 9DR
You’re invited to join us for our monthly networking event. We’re excited to be getting back on the road with what we’d call our roadshow to promote the amazing women in our regions.
The SHINE Network was grown out of The Women’s Awards and now we’re bringing together some amazing and outstanding individuals to share their journeys, interests, and passions with you, in an environment of support, inspiration, connection, and growth.
Our networking events have two main goals:
You will always take away at least one gem of knowledge to support you in your career, business or life in general.
At this event in addition to meeting our amazing speakers, you will find out about The Women’s Awards. You will be able to ask questions about the process and why it’s beneficial to get involved. You even get to hear from some of our Winners and talk to our Founder, Sandra Pollock OBE about why she started these Awards.
You’ll make some valuable contacts. The past two years have taught us that it’s really important to have good connections, to have people around us with whom we have the same values.
Individual growth and achievement are hardly ever done alone and that’s why we bring our amazing members and guests together.
We have some amazing guest speakers and collaborations coming up in the next few months. You’ll want to be a part of the SHINE Network’s growing community. This year’s annual gala awards dinner and presentation will take place in September. Make sure you don’t miss this amazing event.
Guest Speakers
Laura Wilkinson is an Independent Film Producer. She is passionate about arts and culture. She is an advocate for emerging artists, who strongly believes in increased female representation within film. Laura has worked with many diverse communities to promote the arts such as people with disabilities, LGBT+ and BAME.
In addition, Laura has focused her career on producing short narrative films. Since 2015 she has also produced the comedy sketch series FlipYou, managing and developing a diverse group of writers and directors to produce comedy shorts. Many of the films she produced have been award-winning and successful globally on the film festival circuit.
We are delighted to have Laura Wilkinson joining us. Laura is The Women’s Awards – East Midlands Winner of the Outstanding Woman in Arts, Media and Music 2020.
Sandra Pollock OBE MA, Founder, The Women’s Awards, Open Mind Training & Development Ltd, Inspiring You CIC, and SanRoo Publishing. Sandra is also a Non-Executive Director on a number of Boards and an Equality Activist.
Join us for networking, inspiration, and the opportunity to learn from others who have succeeded through strong.
SHINE Network is open to men and women, even though our focus is on supporting female growth and development. SHINE is a unique network that focuses on supporting the whole woman.
So make sure you join us now that we’re getting back into the swing of holding our in-person networking events. Our in-person events will be taking place in a variety of venues and locations across the region. Invite your friends. SHINE with us.
Light refreshments of Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be provided.
The Women’s Awards Gala Dinner & Presentation 2022
Location: Colwick Hall, Nottingham
About this event
The East Midland’s Women’s Award is the most prestigious award in the region. Now in its sixth year, it has provided high recognition for many women working in all fields in our business and community sectors, from grassroots to senior executive levels.
Nominations have been made by everyday individuals who have identified women: their colleagues, leaders, community workers, and many other outstanding women in their fields. A panel of judges and experts in their fields have then taken on the difficult task of judging the nominations. On this night we find out who our Winners are in fourteen categories. There will also be an overall winner of the Inspirational Female Leader of the Year 2022. Join us and be amongst the first to know who the winners are.
The Gala Dinner and Presentation event is one that is remembered by Nominees, Winners and their guests for years to come. Join us as we recognise and celebrate women and give them the respect they deserve. You do not have to be a nominee to come along.
In addition to a 3-course meal, you will enjoy hearing about the amazing work being done here in the East Midlands, you will also have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of people and make contacts with inspirational individuals. You will not want to miss out.
You will find an amazingly supportive and inspiring atmosphere and will certainly make some lasting friendships.
Join us for the event of the year. The Women’s Awards.
Tickets: £75.00 per person
The Women’s Awards Gala Dinner & Presentation
SHINE Network – Inspiring Others – May
Location: Smith Partnership, Norman House, Friar Gate, Derby, Derbyshire DE1 1NU.
You’re invited to join us for our monthly networking event. We’re excited to be getting back on the road with what we’d call our roadshow to promote the amazing women in our regions.
The SHINE Network was grown out of The Women’s Awards and now we’re bringing together some amazing and outstanding individuals to share their journeys, interests and passions with you, in an environment of support, inspiration, connection, and growth.
Our networking events have two main goals:
To introduce you to The Women’s Awards which gives you the opportunity to find out more and ask questions. You even get to hear from some of our Winners and talk to our Founder, Sandra Pollock OBE about why she started these amazing Awards, and
To help you make some valuable contacts. The past two years have taught us that it’s really important to have good connections, to have people around us with whom we have the same values.
Individual growth and achievement are hardly ever done alone and that’s why we bring our amazing members and guests together.
We have some amazing guest speakers and collaborations coming up in the next few months, so you’re going to what to join us to be amongst the first to be in the know and get the opportunity to get involved. Why not join us?
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers will be:
Claire Twells, Business Development Partner & Head of Debt Recovery at Smith Partnership Solicitors. Claire had already received the top female executive of the year award before she was announced as the overall winner at the ceremony held by Women In Management UK.
We will hear about Claire’s journey, her work, her inspiration and her plans for the future.
Sandra Pollock OBE MA, Founder, The Women’s Awards, Open Mind Training & Development Ltd, Inspiring You CIC, and SanRoo Publishing. Sandra is also a Non-Executive Director on a number of Boards and an Equality Activist.
SHINE Network is open to men and women, even though our focus is on supporting female growth and development. SHINE is a unique network that focuses on supporting the whole woman.
So make sure you join us now that we’re getting back into the swing of holding our in-person networking events. Our in-person events will be taking place in a variety of venues and locations across the region. Invite your friends. SHINE with us.
Book you place to join us here.
Light refreshments of Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be provided.
The Impact of Societal Changes on Women
Location: The Falcon Hotel, Market Square, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY
We are delighted to be holding this event in the beautiful town of Uppingham, in Rutland.
Our Guest speaker will be Sue Grogan M.A. – Award Winning Business Health & Employee Needs Consultant and Founder of Joined-Up Working Associates. Sue is also Winner of The Women’s Awards – East Midlands Outstanding Women in Care Services 2019.
With many years working in the Care Services, Sue has seen the impact of change in our society on women working their way to develop their careers and their businesses.
Sue will be sharing her insights and reflecting on her journey to the place of success she has achieved today.
Join us for networking, inspiration and the opportunity to learn from others who have succeeded through strong.
Join us for networking, inspiration and the opportunity to learn from others who have succeeded through strong.
Sandra Pollock OBE MA, Founder, The Women’s Awards, Open Mind Training & Development Ltd, Inspiring You CIC, and SanRoo Publishing. Sandra is also a Non-Executive Director on a number of Boards and an Equality Activist.
SHINE Network is open to men and women, even though our focus is on supporting female growth and development. SHINE is a unique network that focuses on supporting the whole woman.
So make sure you join us now that we’re getting back into the swing of holding our in-person networking events. Our in-person events will be taking place in a variety of venues and locations across the region. Invite your friends. SHINE with us.
Light refreshments of Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be provided.
Live & Online – SHINE & Strive Collaberation
Location: Live Online – Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube
If you miss this event you’ll be able to review the recording which will be upload to the Articles page of this website.
SHINE Networking – Inspiring Others
Location: The Coplow Centre, Uppingham Road Billesdon LE7 9FL
You’re invited to join us for our monthly networking event. We’re excited to be getting back on the road with what we’d call our roadshow to promote the amazing women in our regions.
The SHINE Network was grown out of The Women’s Awards and now we’re bringing together some amazing and outstanding individuals to share their journeys, interests and passions with you, in an environment of support, inspiration, connection, and growth.
Our networking events have two main goals:
- To introduce you to The Women’s Awards which gives you the opportunity to find out more and ask questions. You even get to hear from some of our Winners and talk to our Founder, Sandra Pollock OBE about why she started these amazing Awards, and
- To help you make some valuable contacts. The past two years have taught us that it’s really important to have good connections, to have people around us with whom we have the same values.
Individual growth and achievement are hardly ever done alone and that’s why we bring our amazing members and guests together.
We have some amazing guest speakers and collaborations coming up in the next few months, so you’re going to what to join us to be amongst the first to be in the know and get the opportunity to get involved. Why not join us?
Guest speakers this month will be:
Carol Leeming MBE FRSA the Women’s – East Midlands Patron and Winner of East Midlands Women’s Outstanding Woman Arts Music & Media. Carol has been described as a polymath and her knowledge and experience certainly span a wide range of subject areas. Here are just a few.
Carol Leeming MBE FRSA, Director Poet Dramatist Author, Musician Composer Performer & Vocal Coach, Literature Performing Arts Film & Digital Media, Part-Time Lecturer BA (Hons) Performing Arts, Contemporary Music Theatre Module, De Montfort University Leicester, Guest Lecturer Nottingham MA Creative Writing, Guest Lecturer Derby University MA Writing for Performance, BBC Proms 2022 Trainee.
Sandra Pollock OBE MA, Founder, The Women’s Awards, Open Mind Training & Development Ltd, Inspiring You CIC, and SanRoo Publishing. Sandra is also a Non-Executive Director on a number of Boards and an Equality Activist.
SHINE Network is open to men and women, even though our focus is on supporting female growth and development. SHINE is a unique network that focuses on supporting the whole woman.
So make sure you join us now that we’re getting back into the swing of holding our in-person networking events. Our in-person events will be taking place in a variety of venues and locations across the region. Invite your friends. SHINE with us.
Light refreshments of Tea/Coffee and cupcakes will be provided. Free onsite parking is also available.
Believe in Your USP( Unique Super Power)
Location: Online – Zoom – link sent on registration

Book you place via Eventbrite
Book Tickets Here
- SHINE Members free – You will find the Zoom in the group
- Delegate – £10.00 per person – link sent on booking
The Butterfly Effect: My Business Journey
Location: Location: Online via Zoom – Link provided on booking.
How do you start from nothing in a city where you know no one? This month our Guest Speaker is the amazing Sam Rathling. Sam had to start again from this point and shares with us her journey.
“In 2016, Sam Rathling arrived in Derby having lived abroad for 15 years. She knew nobody, had no network and she was broke. In her talk, Sam will share her business journey, the ups, the downs and how she has battled through adversity, to become a successful Entrepreneur. Today, Sam is a global authority on LinkedIn and Social Selling. She is the Founder of ‘Social Selling with Sam’, and Chief Visionary Officer of the ‘Pipeline 44 Group’. Sam sees her most important role is being a single parent to 3 amazing kids (ages 9-14). How does she do it all? Find out in this not to be missed session”
Sam Rathling is a global authority on LinkedIn and Social Selling. Best Selling Author of ‘Linked Inbound’, and soon to be released ‘Linked Outbound’ and was recently named by Yahoo! Finance as a Top 10 LinkedIn Expert to follow. Sam’s passion lies in helping people to get real results from their LinkedIn efforts, which is why she gives so much value in events like this. With over £100million in new sales generated for the people she has helped; we are excited to hear Sam share social selling strategies to generate leads from LinkedIn. Join us and find out more. There will be the opportunity for you to ask Sam your questions during the Q & A session.
The webinar will be hosted by Sandra Pollock OBE, Founder of the Women’s Awards and multi-award-winning Leadership, Management & Equality Specialist.
Date: Thursday 11th November 2021
Cost: £10.00 per person – Non-members
SHINE Members Free – (SHINE Network Members free access via our community page)
All profits from our monthly webinars go to our chosen charity. This year we’re supporting https://www.bearearth.org/
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-butterfly-effect-my-business-journey-tickets-184855968177
SHINE Christmas Lunch - December 2022
We’d like to invite you to join us for our SHINE Christmas Lunch.
Date: Thursday 15th December 2022
Time: 12:15pm till 14:30pm.
Venue: Winstanley House, Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 1HX. Time
There is free onsite parking and it’s not far from the M1, Junction 21.
Here is how it works:
- Confirm by return if you’d like to join us. We need to confirm the numbers as soon as possible.
- Festive lunch menu: 2 courses £17.00
- A deposit of £5.00 per person is required by Winstanley House to reserve your place.
- Once you let us know you wish to join us, we will send contact you directly with further information.
Let’s celebrate the season together. Who would you like to say thank you to? Why not invite a friend?
We look forward to seeing you there.
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