A guide to groups helping women and their allies make magic in STEM and business both locally and nationally.
“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” – James Keller
Updated - October 2023
We founded WiTCH to support women and our allies, and while we hope we do a fabulous job, there is never such a thing as too much support. To help spread the support costs us nothing, so we have collated a list of groups and regular events which you may find helpful.
There are a lot of groups out there, which is amazing, however, it does mean that we are unable to list all of them. If there are any we are missing that you feel should highlight, please drop us a message.
Cheltenham Groups and Events
In this section, we have also listed groups that are not women-centric but have a focus on and around STEM or Technology as well as some general women’s business groups and meet-ups.
Women's Technical and STEM Groups
Ladies of Cheltenham Hacking Society
Ladies of Cheltenham Hacking Society is a premier cyber security-based group in Cheltenham. A great place to meet new people and tackle the technical.
Women in Business Groups
Ladies who latte
A nationwide group that has a specific meet-up in Cheltenham. They have no speakers, no fees, and no agenda. They are a great first networking group for like-minded businesswomen.
Coffee and Coworking
A networking event run by the Women's Business Club. They host events in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Swindon involving a morning of networking and coworking. The event leader can help make introductions for those who may be a bit shy.
Other STEM Groups and Events
MAGIC - Most agile group in Cheltenham
A recently relaunched group focusing on Agile methodology, with events held every other month with speakers and networking opportunities.
Cyber Sips and Cyber Fusion By Hub8
A free monthly networking coffee for those who are in Cyber security and technology in Cheltenham.
Groups in Birmingham, Bath and Bristol
With Birmingham, Bristol and Bath practically on Cheltenham’s doorstep and with WiTCH getting larger by the day, a list of resources that might just require a bit of travel.
Women's Technical and STEM Groups
Women’s Cyber Circle
Based in Bath and Bristol, the Women's Cyber Circle is a new group built to inspire, empower and support women to thrive in the Cyber Profession.
Women's Tech Hub Bristol
A group focused on advancing gender diversity in tech. They aim to support and encourage women and gender non-conforming people working in, or wishing to move into the tech industry through our careers support, workshops and signposting.
Women in Tech Birmingham
A meetup group devoted to supporting women in tech through a series of events, from lightning talks to hands-on workshops.
Girl Geek Dinners
A nationwide group whichs provides a community space for women (and men) in the technology sector to meet and support one another, they have a Bristol chapter.
Women in Business Groups
There are none to list at the moment, but that doesn't mean they don't exist just that we haven't found ones to highlight yet. This list will be updated constantly so hope to see some soon.
National Support and Groups
Groups with a national reach and support.
Women's Technical and STEM Groups
WomenInTech
A varied resource for women in technology, from graduate-specific information to job adverts, events and awards it is a broad platform of support for women in tech across the UK.
IST- Women in Tech Group
The IST is the professional body for specialist, technical and managerial staff in the creative, digital, engineering and science technologies across a range of sectors who have created a women’s group to help in this mission. They host online webinars and provide a variety of support.
WeAreTechWomen
Another great varied platform which includes the She Talks Tech Podcast, quarterly networking events and TechWomen100 awards.
CodeFirstGirls
A group with a mission, they are the largest provider of free coding courses to women in the UK. An amazing resource and a great community. This is one not to miss especially if you are looking to get into tech or just starting out.
She Can Code
SheCanCode is on a mission to close the Tech Gender Gap by helping women to enter, remain, and excel in the tech industry. They also help companies to attract and hire a more diverse workforce.
Women in Business Groups
Leading Ladies in Business
Leading Ladies in Business is one of the largest female entrepreneur networking platforms in the UK. Please be aware there is a monthly cost to join this group so may not be for everyone. They do have occasional events in Cheltenham.
AccelerateHer
A vibrant female founders’ network and partners who share the passion to accelerate the growth, visibility and backing of talented female business founders and leaders. From free courses, to boot camps designed to help get you funding it’s an amazing resource for any female entrepreneur.
This is not a complete list of all the amazing groups, events and communities out there, just a small section to help support women and their allies like you. This list will be updated often to keep it up to date with new groups and those recommended by our community.