A LARGE conference at Redditch Town Hall saw women meet together under the banner of "Education, Entrepreneurs and Empowerment" on Monday.

The event, organised by Redditch All Women's House, saw groups and individuals from around the town link up with the West Midlands Women's Regeneration Network.

Key speakers included Redditch MP Jacqui Smith, Lesley Abdela, political editor of the Guardian and editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, Yvonne Thompson, president of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners, Karyn Maddison of Sneakers Kids Klubs and June Barley from Access 2.

Redditch Council's Debbie Tillsley said the conference introduced women's networking and offered advice on how women could gain help to develop their careers.