One of Cumbria's leading businesswomen has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for in-Cumbria's upcoming Women in Business event.
Rebecca Graves, director of one of the country's top technical and engineering recruitment businesses, NRL, which has a base in Egremont, will lead the line-up at North Lakes Hotel & Spa in Penrith, setting the stage for a panel session featuring some of Cumbria's most inspirational businesswomen.
Rebecca is one of the best-known female leaders in the region and has been a keen advocate for diversity in the nuclear sector for over two decades.
Dedicating much of her time and energy to ensuring women are represented meaningfully in STEM roles, Rebecca was also at the forefront of the She Leads mentorship scheme, which has helped to transform careers.
Rebecca said: "I am delighted to have been announced as the keynote speaker for this year’s in-Cumbria Women in Business event, speaking ahead of what promises to be another engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion.
"The She Leads mentor programme is an initiative I am incredibly passionate about, and it has been truly inspiring to witness the growth, confidence and achievements of our first cohort of mentees over the past months. Their progress is a powerful reminder of what is possible when women are supported, encouraged and given the space to lead.
"I am very much looking forward to sharing the story and impact of She Leads with event attendees, as it perfectly reflects the values and purpose behind International Women’s Day (IWD). I also welcome interest from fellow female business leaders who may be keen to become involved in shaping the next generation of leaders by joining our 2026 cohort."
A star line-up has been unveiled for the Women in Business event, which will take place on Friday March 6, from 9am-12pm.
The event will be hosted by Newsquest Cumbria regional editor, Joy Yates, who will ask the panel about their career journeys while exploring topics around the 2026 IWD theme 'Give To Gain' - which involves forging gender equality through giving back and collaboration as well as celebrating success.
You can book your place at the event online here: in-Cumbria presents: Women in Business 2026 Tickets, North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith | TryBooking United Kingdom
Meet the panel below.
Trudie Davies - Interim Chief Executive, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Trudie joined North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust in August 2025 as the Interim Chief Executive Officer, on secondment from Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, where she has served as Chief Executive Officer since March 2023.
An esteemed health professional, Trudie served as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust from 2016 to 2023.
She holds an MSc in Innovation, Leadership and Management from the University of York and has a particular interest in the relationship between organisational culture and its impact on patient outcomes and experience.
Janet Garner - Future Workforce Director, BAE Systems
Janet Garner is responsible for the delivery of the Future Workforce Strategy for BAE Systems Submarines, leading a learning portfolio to deliver future skills requirements in collaboration with local and regional stakeholders.
She also leads the Social Impact agenda on behalf of the business, interfacing with key external stakeholders.
Janet is a board member of Brilliant Barrow, a Town Deal programme designed to deliver projects to ensure Barrow thrives as a great place to live, work and visit for generations to come.
Joanne Stronach - MD, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors
Joanne is Cartmell Shepherd’s Managing Director and one of Cumbria's best-known and most experienced employment solicitors.
The first ever female of MD of the firm, Joanne has specialised in all aspects of employment law for over 28 years with a particular interest in discrimination cases.
She has worked closely with and supported the work of clients’ internal HR staff and external HR consultants working with clients including on business sales, purchases and mergers.
In 2017 she produced the management standards for the certification “GDPR Fundamentals” with QG Business Solutions Ltd. She is one of the lead advisers on this area in the North West.
Lauren Allison - Head of Communities & Engagement, Genesis Homes
Lauren, a born and bred Cumbrian, brings a strong background in marketing, communications and events, and has developed a breadth of experience in the housebuilding industry over the past few years.
As Head of Communities & Engagement, a role to which she was appointed in November 2025, Lauren is focused on creating opportunities for people to connect through resident events or the community spaces on developments, as well as partnering with schools and colleges to inspire the next generation.
Claire Aindow, Pro Vice Chancellor for Growth & Development, University of Cumbria
Claire is the University of Cumbria's pro vice chancellor for growth and development, responsible for oversight of the university's growth agenda including ensuring that the portfolio responds to regional and national need.
Claire has worked in higher education for over thirty years, first as a lecturer and senior lecturer in law, and then as Dean of the Off Campus Division at the University of Bolton, managing the university's partnership operations. She was also Head of Academic Partnerships at Ravensbourne University, London.
Claire is also on the Board of Carlisle College.
Share