Yorkshire Voices Reset & Rise Conference: A Day That Moved Us All
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
A Heartfelt Thank You – Reflecting on Yorkshire Voices: Reset & Rise
Reflecting on Friday, I am still deeply moved and honestly a little overwhelmed by the incredible atmosphere, conversations, and energy at our Yorkshire Voices: Reset & Rise Conference. The messages and feedback I’ve received since have moved me so much. It was, without a doubt, one of the most successful women’s events in the Yorkshire region, bringing together hundreds of women to connect, inspire, and be inspired.
First and most importantly, thank you.
Thank you to our guest hosts and speakers who gave their time, shared their stories and trusted us with their voices. Your honesty, professionalism and generosity shaped the heart of the day.
Thank you to everyone who chose to spend your day with us. To our attendees, our exhibitors, our Yorkshire Ladies Links members and to those who travelled from across Yorkshire and beyond, we are truly grateful. Your support and your presence are what made the day what it was.
We were proud to host this year’s conference at the beautiful Pavilions of Harrogate. It was the ideal setting to welcome hundreds of women into one space, a space filled with conversation, shared experiences and genuine connection. From the moment the doors opened, there was an energy that carried us right through the day.
Gratitude to Our Guest Speakers and Hosts
We were truly honoured to welcome an extraordinary group of women to our stage, each one sharing her story with courage and sincerity, bringing wisdom shaped by experience and insight that deeply moved and inspired everyone in the room.
I would like to personally thank our wonderful hosts, Christa Ackroyd and Christine Talbot. Both Christa and Christine have supported Yorkshire Ladies Links since we began twelve years ago, when this was simply an idea and a leap of faith. Their belief in what we were building has meant more than I can say.
Through their work as respected broadcasters across our region, they have spent years sharing the stories that shape Yorkshire, and once again they brought warmth, professionalism and care to our stage.
We were also delighted to welcome Tracy Fletcher, Chair of Smart Works Leeds and our charity partner, who officially opened the conference and shared how Smart Works helps women gain the coaching, clothing, and confidence they need to secure employment.
We welcomed our Yorkshire Voices Panel Guests
Christa then led our panel discussion with five inspiring women, Jodie Harris, Sally Bendtson, Rachel Hill, Dally Kaur and Emily Mallender. Each of these women is a valued member of Yorkshire Ladies Links and it has been a privilege to see their journeys unfold within our network. Their honesty, determination and business insight resonated deeply with the audience.
Christine Talbot and Stephanie Hirst: Believe Achieve
Christine then welcomed the remarkable, award-winning broadcaster Stephanie Hirst to the stage. Her presence lit up the room, and the conversation she shared left everyone moved, inspired, and motivated. Listening to Stephanie share her journey from walking into a radio station as a teenager asking for a job to building a respected career in broadcasting was deeply moving.
Her message, Believe Achieve, was simple yet powerful. She spoke with such openness about where it all began and the courage it has taken to become the person she is today. There were moments when the room felt completely still as everyone absorbed her words. It was a reminder that belief in yourself can change the direction of your life.
If her message resonated with you as much as it did with us, I would genuinely encourage you to connect with Stephanie and explore her Believe Achieve work further at www.stephaniehirst.co.uk/believeachieve. She is one of the most inspiring women I have had the honour to know for many years, and the impact of her story reaches far beyond one stage, one audience, or one day
A Standing Ovation for Claire Throssell MBE
Later in the afternoon, Christa interviewed Claire Throssell MBE with sensitivity and compassion, creating space for a conversation that was both difficult and necessary. Many in the audience had heard Claire speak before, but this time, we learned more about the earlier chapters of her life, the parts we had not previously understood in detail. It was honest, raw, and deeply emotional. There were tears across the room, but it was important.
As the interview concluded, the audience rose to give Claire a standing ovation, a moment to show her that we are with her on this journey.
Claire has been part of our events for several years, and I believe she felt able to speak so openly because Yorkshire Ladies Links offers a supportive and respectful environment. Her courage in sharing her story left a lasting impression on us all.
To every woman who stood on that stage, thank you. What you shared will stay with us long after the day ended.
Your stories were not just heard, they were felt. They stopped us in our tracks and stirred deep emotion. At times they were difficult to listen to, yet we needed to hear every word. You trusted us with deeply personal experiences, and in doing so, you made us reflect, question, appreciate and think differently.
Celebrating Our Business Community
We were also joined by a wonderful range of exhibitors, representing businesses and charities from across the region. Many are members of Yorkshire Ladies Links, and some were attending our events for the first time.
Throughout the day, every stand was busy with conversation. Connections were being made naturally and without pressure. Some were showcasing products, others were sharing services, and several hosted complimentary sessions to give guests a deeper understanding of their work.
Many of our exhibitors have already reserved spaces for future events, including our Charity and Networking Lunch, and our 2027 Yorkshire Voices Conference is already taking bookings. It was inspiring to see how this community supports one another and grows together.
That sense of openness and collaboration is exactly why Yorkshire Ladies Links was created.
A Personal Thank You
On a personal note, I want to thank my family, friends, and all my connections across the various businesses I am part of. Your encouragement means more than you know. I wear many hats through the different companies I support, and it is truly humbling to hear your kind words and support.
A special shout-out to my daughters, Ella and Libby, whom I am immensely proud of. Ella took an annual leave from her job to help manage the event and volunteer on the day. Libby, while studying for her A levels, worked behind the scenes, bringing creativity and a fresh perspective to the conference.
It is so important to me that the younger generation feels welcomed into this network. We are not only building connections for today, but also encouraging these young women to step forward with confidence.
What Is Coming Next
The messages and feedback since Friday have been incredible. Many companies have already reserved their exhibitor places for next year and have booked onto our upcoming events.
This month, we are hosting our Charity and Networking Lunch at The Priory. Spaces are limited, and you are warmly invited to attend. Members receive preferential rates and non-member tickets can be found here
In April, we will be hosted by one of our members for a special event.
In May, we will host a Members-Only Networking Event, creating space for deeper conversation and stronger connections within our community.
Later in May, we will deliver two dedicated Business Workshop Days designed to give practical tools and focused support.
We return in September with another member-hosted event
Followed by our Charity and Networking Event in November.
We will close the year with our Festive Members Meet-Up in December.
Full details and announcements on all these events will be shared very soon.
If you have been considering attending an event or joining our membership, we would love to welcome you. Yorkshire Ladies Links is built on support, shared ambition and genuine relationships. There is always room for more women around the table.
Friday was a powerful reminder of what can happen when hundreds of women come together with open minds and open hearts. We listened. We connected. We strengthened relationships. We left with renewed belief, inspiration and fresh determination.
In the words of the hugely inspiring Stephanie Hirst: Believe Achieve.
From the heart, I can say that on Friday we truly did — we believed it, and we achieved it.
Wishing you all a wonderful week, and with heartfelt thanks to you all.
Melanie Malcolm
Founder, Yorkshire Ladies Links
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