Women’s employment charity to host new fundraiser with premier dining and fashion sale

Smart Works Birmingham is set to welcome guests from across the West Midlands business community for its upcoming fundraising event, In Conversation, Lunch and Fashion Sale, taking place at Chapter, Edgbaston Village.

The event, happening on Wednesday 3 June from 12pm to 3pm, will combine networking, a two-course lunch, a live interview with a leading guest speaker, and access to a curated fashion sale featuring designer and high street brands at up to 70 per cent off.

All funds raised will support Smart Works Birmingham in its mission to help unemployed women secure employment through clothing, coaching, and confidence-building support.

This year’s guest speaker is Alison Akinrinlola, former England netball player, coach, and West Midlands-based sports entrepreneur.

Akinrinlola, founder of Birmingham Panthers and Netball Aid, will be interviewed by Scarlett Allen-Horton, award-winning recruitment entrepreneur, BBC Apprentice finalist, founder of Harper Fox Search Partners, and Ambassador for Smart Works Birmingham.

Ann Powell (pictured), head of Smart Works Birmingham, said: “We’re delighted to bring the business community together for our upcoming Smart Works Birmingham Lunch and Fashion Sale.

“This event is an opportunity to connect, give back, and directly support women across the region to succeed at interview and transform their futures. Every ticket and purchase helps us continue this vital work.”

Smart Works Birmingham continues to demonstrate strong impact across the region, with 69 per cent of women supported securing a job within one month of their appointment.

The charity describes its approach as ‘Fashion as a Force for Good’, combining styling and interview coaching to help women enter or re-enter the workforce with confidence.

Guests will arrive from 12pm, with opportunities to browse the fashion sale and enjoy a welcome drink. Lunch will be served at 1pm, followed by a Q&A session and raffle at 2pm.

The event concludes at 3pm, with final access to the fashion sale.

Tickets include a welcome glass of Prosecco, two-course lunch, entry to the speaker session, and access to the fashion sale.

Individual tickets are priced at £55, with tables of 10 available for £500, offering an opportunity for businesses and colleagues to attend together.

Additional drinks will be available for purchase at the venue. All fashion sale purchases are final and non-refundable. 

Tickets are available to book online.

Alternatively, contact georgina.hawke@smartworks.org.uk to book a table of 10.

Visit the website for further information about Smart Works Birmingham.