Ever thought IT was just for spotty boys in the back bedroom?

Then last night would have shattered that myth, as the region’s v. glam female ‘geek’ community gathered for the city’s first Manchester Girl Geek Dinner at the University of Manchester Incubator Company.

The ‘Girl Geek Dinners’ concept was founded in 2005 by Sarah Blow, an IT specialist fed up of feeling that existing industry events had nothing to offer women.

Events are now staged worldwide, with hundreds of women meeting to share ideas and find new ways to help each other over a glass of wine and great food.

In Manchester, a video welcome message from Blow kicked off the formal bit followed by a few words from event sponsors Sun Microsystems who were hoping that one of the developers in the crowd may be about to develop the next Google.

Top of the bill was Carolyn Bell, the inspirational head of IT operations for Auto Trader.

She kicked-off with the famous Harry Enfield sketch ‘Women Know Your Limits’ before documenting a career where she experienced male hostility at times – but demonstrates that anyone willing to put in hard work and effort will succeed.

The hot topic of debate was home working and the problems/opportunities this can create for women who want a family as well as a career in the fast-moving tech business.

Company at the table was great; I met Nina Meek, MD of 3D Design, freelance PR Debbie Catt, plus fellow BarCampers, Lucy Buykx of Eudomania and Linda Broughton of Old Broadcasting House, Leeds.

Big thank you to Valerie, Gemma and Claire for setting the event up. The wine, food, venue and company made for a fab event.

Geek-Up boys – you may have competition here!