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Inspire and Connect Ilkley celebrates one-year anniversary

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 01:26

Inspire and Connect Ilkley marks its first anniversary

Inspire and Connect Ilkley, the town’s fastest-growing women’s business network, marked its first anniversary with a celebration at The Green Room.

Founded by Anna Clewlow, the group began with a simple mission: to bring together women in business for meaningful connection, collaboration, and support. Regular meetings at the Clarke Foley Community Hub have helped strengthen ties with the wider Ilkley community, and the network has grown rapidly.

Now, one year on, Inspire and Connect Ilkley boasts a thriving app-based community, monthly face-to-face meetups, co-working sessions, and walking networking events, bringing together over 60 local women in business.

Anna is now joined by fellow member and Intent Coaching founder, Alex Beaumont, who helps co-lead the group into its next chapter. The birthday event featured inspiring talks from Claire Baxter, artist and owner of Claire Baxter Galleries in Ilkley and Knaresborough, and acclaimed TV and radio broadcaster Peg Alexander.

Speaking at the event, Alex said:

“We’re so proud of this incredible community of women who lift each other up, share knowledge, and create real impact. It’s more than networking, it’s a movement.”

Inspire and Connect Ilkley is open to women in business across the region. To find out more or to join, email anna@inspireandconnectnetwork.co.uk

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