PUPILS from across Sussex took part in an inaugural event designed to inspire girls to a career in business.

They were able to learn more about the industry from experts who delivered a series of talks and activities throughout the day.

A total of 90 girls aged from nine secondary schools across Sussex took part in a Young Women’s Enterprise Conference at the American Express Community Stadium.

The event, which is backed by Albion’s charity arm Albion In The Community, will be held annually from now on and aims to provide youngsters with “a greater understanding of the career opportunities available for women and girls”.

It included speeches from three successful businesswomen – Lucy Fenwick, the vice president of European customer engagement at American Express, Christine Olson, the vice president of global business integration at American Express, and Rose Read, the head of people and culture at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.

They talked about how they came to work in their current positions.

The girls were then tasked with completing the Enterprise Group Challenge in which teams created an app that can be used to support young people. The teams gave presentations to explain the content and benefits of their app to a judging panel.

Lucy Fenwick said: “The programme aims to give the girls an insight into the world of business and enterprise and inspire them at a young age about potential career opportunities. It’s great to see how engaged and enthusiastic the students have been today and to help answer their questions about what doors are open to them in the future.”