The AFPA Trust’s International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 Lunch was a tremendous success, bringing together professionals from across the finance industry to celebrate the achievements of women and raised £5,000 for the Fawcett Society.
Held on March 6th at the prestigious Royal Overseas League in London, the event featured a delectable three-course meal prepared by MasterChef winner Irini Tzortzoglou, and inspiring speeches from special guests Charlotte Broadbent, former fashion editor of Hello Magazine and Estee Lauder Director, and Denise Nurse, successful lawyer, entrepreneur, and media expert. The event provided a valuable networking opportunity for professionals from all areas of finance, including lenders, brokers, and vendors.
Robert Taylor, AFPA Trust Chairman, commented, “We are delighted with the success of our inaugural major International Women’s Day Lunch.
“It was a fantastic occasion to celebrate the achievements of women in finance and to raise vital funds for the Fawcett Society. The generosity of our attendees and sponsors is greatly appreciated, and we are proud to support the Fawcett Society’s important work in advancing equality.”
The Fawcett Society is a leading UK charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights. Founded in 1866, it is named after Millicent Fawcett, a prominent suffragist and social reformer who dedicated her life to achieving equal rights for women. The Society works across a range of areas including equal pay, representation in politics and public life, challenging gender stereotypes, and ending violence against women and girls. They conduct research, lobby for policy changes, raise public awareness, and provide resources and support to individuals and organisations.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the charity partner for AFPA Trusts’ Inaugural International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 Lunch,” said the Interim Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society. “The generous funds raised will have a significant impact on our work throughout 2025 – empowering us to challenge workplace practices that undermine women’s rights, pioneer innovative AI initiatives, and advocate for safety and dignity in public spaces. The support of organisations like AFPA Trust is so crucial to our mission, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment.”
The AFPA Trust, formerly the Asset Finance Professionals Association, became a registered charity in 2018. It raises funds for a range of charitable causes by organising a wide selection of networking events for its charity partners and members within the Asset Finance and Leasing sector. AFPA Trust relies on its members, whose contributions through its Charity Partner Programme support Asset Finance & Leasing industry connections and charitable initiatives.
Save the date!
Following the success of this year’s event, AFPA Trust is pleased to announce that the International Women’s Day Lunch will return in 2026! Mark your calendars for Thursday 5th March, for another opportunity to celebrate and support women in the finance industry. AFPA Charity Partners will receive priority booking and discounted access.
