Ladies Lunch Plymouth to host charity fashion show in aid of St Luke’s Hospice

A local networking group founded by Lisa Thomas, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner at Parker Andrews, is bringing the Plymouth business community together this summer for a special charity event.

Ladies Lunch Plymouth, a friendly and vibrant pay-as-you-go networking group, will host a pre-loved fashion show and auction on 25 June 2026, raising funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Set up in March 2023, the group was created to connect local businesswomen in a relaxed and supportive environment and has since grown into a thriving and supportive community.

Built from a simple idea

Ladies Lunch Plymouth began with a simple question. “I started Ladies Lunch because there was nothing available like it locally,” explains Lisa. “I put a post out on LinkedIn to see if there would be any interest and was overwhelmed with the response. That prompted me to book our first lunch, and I haven’t looked back since.”

What started as a single event has quickly evolved into a regular fixture in the Plymouth business community.

Creating a space for connection and confidence

Since launching, Ladies Lunch Plymouth has become more than just a networking group. It is a space where women can build confidence, connections and community.

“I’ve had women approach me who were extremely nervous about attending their first ever networking event,” Lisa says. “They’ve felt safe and welcomed at Ladies Lunch, which has given them the confidence to go on and attend others.”

For many members, particularly those who work alone, the group offers something equally important: human connection.

“It gives people the opportunity to step away from their day-to-day work, socialise, and build relationships. Members make new connections, reconnect with existing ones, and often win work from within the group and across our social channels.”

Each month, one member is also given the opportunity to present to the group. This helps to build presentation skills, confidence, and share knowledge with others.

A summer event with a purpose

This year’s summer event will see Ladies Lunch Plymouth host a pre-loved charity fashion show and auction at the Leonardo Hotel Plymouth, compered by comedian Suzy Bennett.

“What started as a simple clothes-swapping idea quickly evolved when the Leonardo Hotel kindly offered their fantastic facilities,” Lisa explains. “A committee was formed, and the event grew from there.”

Each Ladies Lunch Plymouth event supports a local charity, and this time the group has chosen to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

“St Luke’s provides vital services to the community,” Lisa says. “Most people will know someone who has been supported by their care, so it felt like a natural choice for us to support them.”

Nina Wearne, Partnerships Manager at St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, added:
“Donations are coming in thick and fast, it’s all very exciting!”

Open to all

The event will take place on 25 June 2026 at the Leonardo Hotel Plymouth. Tickets are £15 and include coffee and cake. Importantly, the event is open to everyone, not just members of the network. It is a great opportunity to support a local cause while connecting with others in the Plymouth business community.

Book your ticket here: www.tickettailor.com/events/parkerandrews/2052455

Supporting local communities

At Parker Andrews, we understand the importance of strong local networks, not just in business, but in supporting people through every stage of their journey. Initiatives like Ladies Lunch Plymouth reflect the power of community, connection and collaboration, bringing people together to share experiences, build confidence, and make a positive difference.