Get ready for another unforgettable International Women’s Day extravaganza!

We’re thrilled that our annual lunch once again will be held at the fabulous Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst and will gather together over 150 local businesspeople, who will be buzzing with excitement!

Brace yourself for enlightening and inspirational speakers, as we celebrate this year’s theme: Give to Gain.

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality.

We are delighted to welcome Hony Premlal as our keynote speaker.

Hony is a widely respected authority in the Social Housing arena, with almost thirty years of experience, encompassing more than ten years in governance-level appointments, consultancy and training work – and regular high-level participation as a motivational speaker and facilitator at industry events.

Her comprehensive professional journey expense across organisations of varying scales, where she has occupied diverse senior leadership and board level positions.

Hony delivers transformative services in executive and life coaching, mentoring and business coaching. She also hosts the thought-provoking podcast series High Tea with Hony, where she engages with a diverse range of industry leaders to explore contemporary leadership challenges.

Deeply passionate about women’s empowerment and currently volunteering as a mentor with both the Housing Diversity Network and Women in Social Housing (WISH), Hony combines her professional expertise with a commitment to developing the next generation of industry leaders.

Hony was honoured with the Woman of the Year Award at the 2025 Women in Housing Awards and was shortlisted in the 2025 Inspiring Women in Property Awards and the Wow Awards.

You can look forward to networking over drinks and canapés before Hony speaks, followed by a delicious buffet lunch and a charity raffle.

This year, we are remaining in The Lodge at Balmer Lawn Hotel for a more informal buffet lunch, rather than sitting at large round tables as in previous years, giving plenty of opportunity for discussion and networking – and allows for an easy departure for those who need to leave by 2.30pm.

Come along to find out what other women in business are doing in 2026 and celebrate their achievements together on International Women’s Day!

As with all NFBP events, this event is open to everyone and is a not-for-profit celebration, which, this year supports the charity, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and their Operation Airbase appeal, which brings down their response times in the New Forest.

This event has been kindly sponsored.