Out an about over the summer
Essex Chambers Network of Women - 24 July
Essex Chambers recently relaunched NOW – The Network of Women: The strength to be 
gentle, the power to succeed.
Jo Giles attended, alongside members and patrons, to celebrate the occasion at Essex Cricket, cheering on Essex Women as they took on Somerset.
Attendees were joined by Anne-Marie Martin FCMI, Director of Membership at the British Chambers of Commerce, who spoke to attendees about the wider support available through the British Chambers Network.
Originally founded by CEO, Denise Rossiter, 20 years ago, NOW is a powerful private network created to connect, uplift, and empower women across the county
Parliamentary Reception at the House of Lords - 15 September
Jo Giles attended the Essex Chambers private Parliamentary Reception at the House of Lords.
It was an honour to be joined by Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE, Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Havliand, and members of our business community.
With many changes and challenges facing our county, the occasion was a great opportunity to celebrate the powerhouse of innovation and industry that is Essex. Lord Johnson himself commented on the “extraordinary entrepreneurship” within the county.
Valuable connections were being made as we overlooked the landmarks of the Thames, beautifully framed by a double rainbow that went through the centre of the London Eye!
Networking at the Delta Hotel - 16 September
Jo Giles attended Essex Chambers networking at the stylish
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester for a fantastic morning of networking over breakfast.
Attendees heard from Colchester City Council CEO, Pamela Donnelly, who shared valuable insights into the exciting changes ahead for the city. The insightful presentation was followed by a lively Q&A discussion where attendees had the opportunity to put their concerns and thoughts directly to the Council Leader.
Some amazing connections were made and it was great to see so many new and familiar faces.
Ambitious Essex Construction Sector Roundtable - 23 September
Many thanks to Essex County Council for the kind invitation to the 
Ambitious Essex Construction Sector Roundtable, at the stunning Hylands House.
This timely gathering brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and business owners to explore the future of construction in Essex. With the sector facing rapid change from evolving regulations to shifting workforce demands the roundtable offered a space to ask the big questions:
• Are we investing in the right skills?
• Are we training for the jobs we have or the ones we’ll need tomorrow?
• Is your business adapting fast enough to meet changing regulations and expectations?
• What support would actually make a difference for you?
These questions aren’t just theoretical they’re central to how we shape a thriving, resilient construction sector that meets the needs of Essex today and tomorrow.
Colchester Institute Graduation 2025: A Celebration of Student Success - 26 September
The achievements of hundreds of students were formally recognised and celebrated at the 
Colchester Institute Graduation Ceremony 2025, marking a proud milestone in their academic journeys.
The event, filled with joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment, brought together graduates, families, faculty, and community members. It was an absolute pleasure to attend and witness the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
Colchester Institute continues to prioritise the delivery of high-quality degree programmes, empowering students to build meaningful careers and make lasting contributions within their communities.
Congratulations to all the graduates, your success is a testament to your resilience, talent, and determination. The future is bright, and this is just the beginning.