THREE women entrepreneurs held a combined business social event in Lymm as a celebration of International Women's Day. Jen Perry, of Room Forty mobile Afternoon Tea Emporium, Rebecca Shattock, of Sewing Bee Sanctuary and Barbara Ogden, of Laurel House Interior Design studio held an open evening at Laurel House in Lymm on March 2.

Guests had the chance to chat, browse the latest pattern books and styles at Laurel House, enjoy complementary refreshments provided by Room Forty Afternoon Teas and try their hand at sewing under the expert tuition of Rebecca from Sewing Bee Sanctuary.

Jen Perry, proprietor of Room Forty Afternoon Tea Emporium, said: "There’s a fabulous, supportive camaraderie between businesses in Warrington, particularly those run by business women, and a real desire to work together.

"Our combined event came through a chance conversation about doing something locally to mark International Women's Day that would be fun and co-promote our businesses."

Rebecca Shattock, of Sewing Bee Sanctuary, added: "The event was great fun.

"Our three businesses are diverse but complementary as we are all very creative.

"There’s a ground swell of inspirational small business being set up and pioneered by women in Warrington which, I think deserves celebration. We can’t wait to work together again in the future."

Barbara Ogden, director of Laurel House, said: “Laurel House only opened last November and the response has been amazing. It was fabulous to host the open evening in our showroom with Jen and Rebecca. As women entrepreneurs celebrating International Women's Day we’re proof that success is possible. The three of us have all followed our business dreams and turned our creativity into a business."