Give to Gain: Social Pantry Celebrates International Women’s Day 2026
Published on: March 26, 2026
This International Women’s Day, Social Pantry welcomed a community of inspiring women to its second annual celebration of female-led businesses, hosted at our exclusive venue, London’s iconic Mansion House. Centred on the theme Give to Gain, the morning was a celebration of generosity, mentorship and the power of supporting one another to build meaningful careers and thriving businesses.
A breakfast to inspire
We began the morning the Social Pantry way – gathered around great food. Guests enjoyed Mini Pancakes cooked to order, Turmeric Yoghurt and Granola Pots with Zero-Waste Berry Compote and Poached Rhubarb, alongside a freshly-squeezed juice station. The atmosphere was warm and energising, creating space to connect, reflect and start the day feeling inspired.
Opening remarks and the panel
Dame Susan Langley, the Lady Mayor of the City of London, opened the morning by welcoming guests to her “home for the year” and speaking about the importance of supporting one another.
The conversation that followed was expertly hosted by journalist and presenter Tina Daheley, who brought together an incredible panel of female founders: Alex Head, Founder and CEO of Social Pantry; Henrietta Rix, Founder of Rixo; Cath Kidston, Founder of C. Atherley; and Ann Elliot, Co-founder of Boardwalk.
Together, they shared honest reflections on building businesses, navigating challenges and embracing opportunities, offering a refreshingly open perspective on the realities of entrepreneurship.
Key takeaways
A number of powerful themes emerged from the discussion:
- Perseverance – Building a business is rarely straightforward. Resilience and determination are what carry you through the more challenging moments.
- Asking for help – You don’t have to do it all alone. Being open about where you need support not only strengthens your network but helps you stay focused on what matters most.
- Addressing the investment gap – Open, honest conversations with investors are key to driving change and increasing support for female-founded businesses.
- Give to gain – At the heart of it all is the idea that sharing knowledge, opening doors and championing others creates stronger, more connected communities.
Celebrating community and collaboration
Above all, the morning was a reminder that success is rarely achieved in isolation. When we lead with generosity and authenticity, we create space for others to grow alongside us.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our brilliant panellists for sharing their experiences so openly. Mornings like this are a powerful reminder of what can happen when we come together – and why the spirit of Give to Gain matters so much.
