About Ladiesfirst Professional Development…
✔ We don’t have an eligibility criteria as we believe that all women regardless of status have something to offer. The only request we make is that you have aspirations and the desire to help other women.
✔ The organisation is based on three principles which we refer to as the 3 I’s – to Inspire, to Inform and to Introduce. We hold a series of monthly events where you will either hear from an Inspirational speaker, attend an informative business skills workshop and be introduced to new people. Our aim is for our network to be an incubator for ideas and development for all women.
✔ We are an organisation who welcome members and drop in guests, which ever fits in with each individuals’ busy lifestyle.  Whether you run your own business, work within a business or seeking inspiration for a change of career. We are an inclusive network involving women of all backgrounds and cultures regardless of what stage they are at in their business life or career
Why Join us:
Our meetings and events are personalised and not based on numbers, unlike many Networking Companies, we build confidence amongst our members and guests by our unique personal approach.
We Build lasting business relationships by bringing Professionals together through Events.
The faces behind Ladiesfirst Professional Development..
Tracey McAtamney
Director Ladies First
tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk
www.survivingbereavement.com
www.stbernadettetrust.org.uk
Tracey became a Director of Ladies First in March 2017; she introduced monthly lunches and VIP events. ln October 2017 she was instrumental in launching the Ladies First Business & lnspirational Women Awards.
In August 2024, Tracey was appointed as Business Development Manager at Jameison Christie Wealth Management Ltd. Author of Hidden Strength, and founder of Surviving Bereavement which offers Pop up Bereavement Cafe”s across Warwickshire and west Midlands and provides support for those going through the grieving process including presentations on how to create a compassionate culture within the workplace. The foundation also provides free memory boxes to children and young adults.
ln 2021 Tracey trained as a Grief Recovery Specialist.
She is a Trustee of the St. Bernadette Trust, Coventry, a charity working to assist sick and handicapped people and a member of the Zoe’s Baby Hospice Business Group.
Prior to this, Tracey has over 30 years’experience in Practice Management and Legal Accounts, for ten years she was a Director of Warwickshire Legal Recruitment, working in association with Warwickshire Law Society.
Meet our Ambassadors
Arti Halai
Ambassador
Arti spent more than fifteen year’s working as a television presenter, reporter and producer for some of the UK’s largest organisations including the BBC and ITV.  She went on to co-found, build and successfully exit two seven-figure businesses – a PR agency and creative design agency. An Executive Coach, she says success comes from the ability to talk to ourselves with compassion, courage and clarity and then execute with knowledge, focus and confidence. Â
Arti is passionate about empowering and helping women and young adults on their journey to success. She is board advisor to Auris Tech Ltd and an ambassador for Every Child Needs a Mentor.
Visit: www.ahaction.com
Pauline Edden
Ambassador
Natasha Blacklock
Business Support
Natasha@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk
I am PA to John Newcomb and the Office Manager at the BMF. I’ve been lucky enough to spend over five years supporting Ladies First and the Awards, and I genuinely love the energy that comes from celebrating inspiring women.
When I’m not working, you can usually find me out for a run or in a gym class, staying active so I can fully enjoy the delicious meals and wine I share with my partner, family, and friends.
I’m also a proud step-mummy and auntie, and I cherish those fun family moments. I have a love for animals, especially doggies and I also love to travel!
Karen Jones
Ambassador
It is a joy to be part of the Ladies First Networking Group, like-minded women who are inspirational in business and in life – and I’m proud to be asked to be an Ambassador.
Born in Sutton Coldfield, I’ve thrived in the Midlands, shaping my expertise in luxury lifestyle through editorial roles at Live 24 Seven and Touch Base magazines.
Beyond publishing, I’m deeply involved with The Giles’ Trust Brain Tumour Fund. My passion and dedication for the Trust was born out of a family tragedy. My wonderful niece, Sophie, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 15 and lost her battle to this cruel disease two years later. Despite her young age, she inspired so many people and in her memory, as a family, have gone on to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
In my spare time, I love going on long walks in our beautiful countryside, going to the theatre and eating out with friends and family. I also enjoy travelling to France, Italy or Cape Town, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Amanda Chalmers
Ambassador
A journalist of 30 years and former newspaper editor, Amanda Chalmers is ideally placed to get your brand message across through her award-winning agency Chalmers News PR.
Amanda’s extensive knowledge, experience and media contacts are key to her proven track record of success, working with businesses, organisations and charities to achieve their specific PR goals – and at a fraction of the cost of advertising.
Connecting with your target audience has never been tougher – thanks to increased competition among a growing community of SMEs, as well as social media saturation and busier lifestyles. Amanda will not only take that burden away but deliver tangible results.
She works closely with clients to create a bespoke PR campaign for news and trade media as well as offering professional consultation and training – and all at a price point that’s accessible to SMEs.
As a one-woman agency, the clients will always deal directly with the person whose name is ‘above the door.’
Sue Cressman
Ambassador
Sue Cressman, former Midlands Businesswoman of the Year, boasts a diverse career in both corporate and entertainment spheres.
As the Co-Owner of Nailcote Hall Hotel in Berkswell near Coventry, she manages a renowned 17th Century 4 Star Country House Hotel, complete with conference facilities, a leisure club, and fine dining. Notably, Nailcote was the first UK hotel licensed for on-site weddings. Hosting the televised ‘Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship’ on its world-famous golf course annually, Sue oversees daily operations and top-tier entertainment bookings.
Beyond business, Sue is dedicated to fundraising for local Breast Cancer Units, having raised £500,000 for NHS equipment. Recognized for her contributions, she received a plaque at Solihull Hospital’s Oncology Unit. Sue also organizes charity events at Nailcote Hall, including the annual ‘Pink Ball at the Hall’ in October and ‘Snow Ball’ in November, aiding vulnerable community members and providing Christmas gifts for local children.
https://www.nailcotehall.co.uk/
Kirsty Leahy
Ambassador
Kirsty Leahy is a multi-talented media personality with over 20 years of experience in radio presenting, live event hosting, and DJing.
Despite undergoing major back surgery at a young age, she transformed her passion for performance into a successful career, captivating audiences with her vibrant personality and down-to-earth charm.
Kirsty’s career highlights include winning a National Radio Award for her charity beer campaign and fulfilling a lifelong dream by interviewing Kylie Minogue. Committed to giving back, she serves as a board director for a community interest company in Oxfordshire and actively supports local charities.
Kirsty’s zest for life is evident in her pursuits, from running marathons for charity to learning DJing in just six weeks for Breast Cancer UK. Currently freelancing with BBC CWR, Kirsty continues to inspire as a radio presenter, live event host, awards MC, DJ, and motivational speaker.
 • Radio Presenter.    • Presenter/Live Event Host.    • Awards Host & MC.   • DJ.    • Motivational Speaker.
Jane Collier
Resident photographer
With over 20 years of experience, I am passionate about capturing every facet of photography, ensuring that each moment is preserved for you to treasure for a lifetime. I specialize in corporate, event, property photography, bringing your visions to life with and professionalism. Let’s work together to create lasting memories!