Money, power and influence **BOOKINGS ARE NOW CLOSED**

About this event

Join us for an engaging and empowering evening focused on women’s financial futures.

We are pleased to welcome Louise Hogarth, who will open the event and set the scene for an engaging and insightful discussion.

This panel event will explore key topics including:

pensions
investing for the future
behavioural science and how it influences women’s financial decisions
as well as important conversations around financial independence and protection

Hosted at NatWest, this event brings together a dynamic community of women across financial services and technology.

Our panel will feature experienced professionals who bring practical insight and real-world experience across finance, investment and leadership.

The session will include interactive Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and shape the discussion.

There will be dedicated networking before and after the panel, creating space to connect with like-minded women, share experiences and build meaningful professional relationships.

This event is ideal for women at any stage of their career who want to build confidence in managing their finances, better understand investing and pensions, and gain practical tools to take control of their financial future.

If you’re looking to feel more informed, more confident and more connected, this is an event not to miss.

The session opens with Louisa Hogarth from NatWest and Leontia McArdle will be hosting this panel discussion, leading an engaging conversation with our panel of industry experts.

Session Overview

Arrival: 5:00pm
Start: 5:30pm
Close of panel: c.7:00pm
Networking: 7:00- 7:30pm

Please note: bookings will close on Friday 3 July 12pm

Key takeaways

Gain practical, expert-led insights on pensions, investing, and the behavioural factors shaping women’s financial decisions - helping you take clearer control of your financial future.
Build confidence to make informed financial choices, including understanding risks, long-term planning, and financial independence.
Expand your network by connecting with like-minded women across financial services and tech, opening up new opportunities, perspectives, and support.
Expand your network by connecting with like-minded women across financial services and tech, opening up new opportunities, perspectives, and support.

Your panel

Accelerator Journey Manager Annika Brooks

Annika is an Accelerator Journey Manager at NatWest with over seven years’ experience supporting businesses in the finance sector.

She equips founders with the skills and confidence to succeed in sales, funding, and pitching, while championing financial empowerment and access for women.

She is driven by a passion for diversity, inclusion and collaboration

Client Director Matthew Hawken

Matthew joined Brown Shipley in 2017 and has worked in Financial Services since 2000.

He holds a Law Degree, is a Chartered Financial Planner and specialises in wealth planning, including investment structures, tax‑efficient savings, retirement and pensions, estate and inheritance tax planning, as well as lifetime cash flow modelling

Director of Savings & Investments, Barclays Wealth Management Clare Francis

Before joining Barclays in 2015, Clare was a financial journalist with over 15 years’ experience covering consumer finance.

Her work now focuses on raising awareness of investing, breaking down barriers to entry, and supporting individuals to make confident financial decisions.

Clare is also a Trustee of the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute

Your host Leontia McArdle

Leontia is a Legal Director in the litigation team at DLA Piper UK LLP, based in the firm's Manchester office. She has extensive experience advising clients across the financial services sector, including high street banks, challenger banks, payment service providers, and invoice and asset finance providers, acting for both claimants and defendants in complex disputes across the UK and internationally.

Leontia has particular expertise in group litigation and mass claims activity and is recognised by both Lexology and The Legal 500 for her work.

Alongside her legal practice, Leontia is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in financial services. Since 2023, she has served as Co-Chair of the Manchester branch of Women in Banking & Finance (WiBF), helping to champion the organisation's mission through events, networking opportunities, and initiatives that support women to achieve their career aspirations.

Your host Lu Hogarth

Lu is a WIBF volunteer in Manchester and an experienced Risk Manager at NatWest.

With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Lu specialises in non-financial risk management and controls.

She is passionate about supporting the development of women in the industry and contributes to the growth and success of the WIBF Manchester network through her volunteer work and community engagement.