A round table discussion with Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing involving local female entrepreneurs, business women and other professionals was held at Link-WorkSpace in Epping High Street on Friday.
The business brunch, which helped mark International Women's Day, saw the MP respond to various questions which covered topics ranging from support for women in businesses and the current economic crisis after the pandemic and its effect on SMEs and charities to the situation in Ukraine and Dame Eleanor's journey as a female politician.
Dame Eleanor said: "I was delighted to visit a brilliant new business in Epping and meet a group of local businesswomen.
"It was inspiring to discuss how they had all built flexibility into their careers so as to be able to balance work and family life."
Sharmila Bholanauth, managing director of Link-Workspace, said: "It was an immense honour to have Dame Eleanor Laing with us and to know that there is support for female business owners on our local high street.
"She is very kind and friendly and very relaxing to be around.
"She naturally made everyone feel welcomed and at ease. It was a very relaxing occasion."