Date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Time: 9.30am–5.30pm
Location: Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, Winter Gardens, Leopold Grove entrance, Blackpool
Tickets: £50 excluding VAT
Blackpool’s Winter Gardens will host SheChain Live on 1 October 2026, bringing together women business owners, entrepreneurs, buyers, investors and industry specialists. The event will focus on helping women-led businesses reach new customers, secure contracts and develop the relationships needed for growth. Its programme combines speakers, practical workshops, exhibitions and opportunities to meet organisations seeking new suppliers and business partners.
Among the announced speakers is fashion entrepreneur Karen Millen OBE, who will take part in an on-stage conversation about building an internationally recognised brand. Her contribution will explore the decisions, setbacks and reinvention that shaped her career. SheChain Live founder Coral Horn has described the event’s purpose as improving access to the networks and commercial opportunities that women need to develop their businesses.
Karen Millen OBE
Emma Jones CBE, the UK’s Small Business Commissioner, is scheduled to discuss late payments and their consequences for businesses. Other contributors include Absolute Collagen co-founder Maxine Laceby, supplier inclusion specialist Jaxx Nelson of WEConnect International, and business psychologist and gender equity advocate Lee Chambers. Buyers and organisations advertised as participating include Booths, Ryman, United Utilities and Holiday Inn Group.
Sessions will address finance, investment, retail, public sector contracts and the practical requirements of becoming a supplier. The Discovery Stage will host speeches and panel discussions, while the Growth Lab will offer workshops on business development. Meet the Buyer opportunities and the Pitch Me Quick session will provide further ways for participants to introduce their businesses and explore potential partnerships.
A separate Confidence on Camera programme will be led by Lucy West, Head of ITV News Granada Reports. These sessions will give participants practical experience of communicating on camera, helping business owners present their expertise and become more confident public representatives of their companies. Places are limited, with ticket holders receiving information about requesting attendance.
SheChain Live takes place the day before the Enterprise Vision Awards, which will be held at the Winter Gardens on 2 October. Together, the events will bring business development and recognition of women’s achievements to Blackpool across two consecutive days. Enterprise Vision Awards ticket holders receive complimentary access to SheChain Live. The event welcomes women in business and anyone seeking to support, collaborate with, buy from or invest in women-led enterprises. Booking is available through the WIB360 website.
