A COUNCIL chief who launched a businesswomen’s group eight years ago is returning to celebrate its move to a new venue.

Judith Armitt, chief executive of Medway Council, will be guest of honour at the first meeting of Women and Business Medway and North Kent at the Holiday Inn, Rochester.

It is the first change of venue since the Medway group was founded in 1997.

Ms Armitt was also guest speaker at its inaugural meeting at Bridge Wardens’ College in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham.

The first meeting at the new venue will be held on September 7, starting at 6.30pm, with the formal proceedings at 7pm, followed by an opportunity for networking.

Josephine Hanagan, group chairman, said: "Judith Armitt was newly appointed to the role of chief executive for the new unitary authority for Medway when she gave the inaugural speech at our group’s first meeting in 1997.

"We are delighted that she is returning to mark the move to a new venue – which is a major step for us."

The Medway group merged with North Kent, based in Dartford, to form the current grouping.

Meanwhile, preparations are well advanced for the second public Women in Business exhibition.

The first, organised by the county’s three WIB groups –Medway and North Kent, West Kent and East Kent – was held earlier this year at The Village Hotel, Maidstone.

The 2006 event will be held on March 8, International Women’s Day, at the Holiday Inn, Rochester, with Medway council as main sponsor.

More details from Josephine Hanagan on 01634 295242, Jane Dickson on 01634 401739 or website www.wib.org.uk.