🌟 National Women's Enterprise Day – Midlands Region 🌟

Thursday, 16th October 2025 | Gloster House, Co. Offaly

Why not join us for an unforgettable celebration of female entrepreneurship at this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED), proudly representing the Midlands counties of Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath.

We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s event will take place at the breathtaking Gloster House, a 300-year-old Georgian country estate nestled at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. With its elegantly restored interiors, enchanting gardens, and serene lakeside setting, Gloster House offers a truly magical backdrop for a day of inspiration, connection and celebration.

✨ Theme: “Making It Happen”

This year’s theme couldn’t be more fitting. We’ll be honouring the remarkable women across our region who are turning ambition into action, building businesses, and shaping the future of enterprise.

Expect engaging speakers, networking opportunities, and a chance to connect with fellow trailblazers in a venue that’s as inspiring as the women we’re celebrating.

🕤 9:30 AM – Arrival & Musical Welcome

Enjoy tea, coffee, and pastries on arrival, with exclusive access to the beautifully restored rooms and gardens. Irish soprano Yvonne O’Toole will perform from the balcony to set a graceful tone for the day.

🎤 10:45 AM – Opening Addresses

Hear from:

• Anna-Marie Delaney, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council

• Gretchen Donovan, NWED Midlands Ambassador & award-winning entrepreneur

• Mary Alexander, Owner of Gloster House

💬 11:05 AM –  Panel Discussion

Gain insights from our featured speakers as they each share their personal journeys and perspectives on visibility, leadership, and innovation. Following these individual spotlights, they’ll come together for a dynamic panel conversation exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping women-led enterprise today.

• Anne Cusack, B.Sc., Ph.D 
  Anne is an experienced business leader and Chartered Director with over two decades of executive and board-level expertise. As co-founder and former CEO of a successful healthcare company (sold in 2021), she brings deep knowledge in strategic growth, governance, and risk management, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

  She currently chairs the Audit and Risk Committee at Technological University Shannon and the Midlands Regional Enterprise Board, driving regional development and robust oversight. Anne also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Bord na Móna, contributing to its transformational growth journey through her financial and strategic acumen.

  A long-standing mentor with the Going for Growth programme, Anne is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and scaling businesses—particularly in healthcare, health-tech, and life sciences. Her collaborative, solutions-driven approach continues to guide organisations through change, expansion, and long-term value creation.

• Gretchen Donovan 
  Gretchen is a qualified Mechanical Engineer and the founder of Glass Innovations Ltd, a pioneering Irish company specialising in high-quality glass decoration. After developing a unique glassware painting machine during her engineering career in the UK, she launched Glass Innovations in 2001 to meet a growing demand for scalable, customised solutions in the drinks, beauty, and retail sectors.
  Her company is recognised for its technical ingenuity, commitment to quality, and ability to help brands—especially emerging ones—stand out through bespoke glassware design. Gretchen continues to champion innovation and design-led manufacturing, supporting brand growth and shelf impact across diverse markets.

• Rebecca Lyons 
  Rebecca is a seasoned management consultant, lecturer, and mentor with over 25 years’ experience in Irish industry and SMEs. As Managing Director of BEXL Connect, she helps business owners scale sustainably through digital transformation, strategic planning, and funding access.

  Known for her straight-talking approach, Rebecca developed The Momentum Map—a practical framework designed to shift SMEs from reactive firefighting to focused growth. She lectures at TUS, mentors through LEOs and MentorsWork, and backs early-stage ventures via Awaken Angels.

  A passionate advocate for women in business, Rebecca combines lived experience with a deep commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and driving enterprise development across Ireland.

🎶 12:30 PM – Closing Address 

With Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise, Offaly.

🍽️ 12:40 PM - 2.00pm– Lunch & Networking

Enjoy a seasonal lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients, followed by relaxed networking in the garden rooms and grounds.