AN FA CUP winner was the guest of honour as forty business women from across the county gathered for the Somerset Chamber’s latest ladies afternoon tea and networking event recently.

The guest speaker for the event, which was held at the Mount Somerset Hotel, Taunton, was Annie Heatherson, a midfielder for Yeovil Town Ladies Football Club, as well as being an England U21 international and FA Women’s Cup winner.

Annie spoke to delegates about how her football career has developed since she started playing at eight years old, and her determination to achieve her dream of becoming an international women’s football player.

She gave a talk on the highs and lows of her career, providing insight into the ways in which she overcame her personal setbacks to ultimately achieve her success.

Loren Gray, events organiser at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “This was another splendid afternoon, and hearing from guest speaker Annie Heatherson was truly inspiring.

"Her passion and determination to stay focused when things are tough are as relevant in business as in sport, and I know from the feedback received that many of the ladies present found her talk really motivating."

Debbie Robertson, operations manager at Prospects Services, which sponsored the event, said: "The event was an excellent opportunity to meet women in business from across the county, building contacts and sharing ideas."

Caroline Phillimore of Poolbridge Accountancy, who attended the event, added: "These events are organised so well and are a really great chance for networking with other businesses. There are so many women getting to know each other that the room is always buzzing.”

Organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the ladies afternoon tea events are held twice a year.

For details about upcoming events, visit www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/events.