---
title: Sip and Paint | Connected Bubbles networking | March 2026
description: Part of Women in IP's Connected Bubbles event series, join Appleyard Lees colleagues in Manchester for a relaxed networking evening.
image: https://info.appleyardlees.co.uk/hubfs/Women%20in%20IP%20-%20Appleyard%20Lees%20event.jpg
---

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# Part of the Connected Bubbles event series Sip and Paint, hosted by Appleyard Lees

Women in IP’s much‑loved *Connected Bubbles* networking series returns for 2026. Organised by Women in IP and hosted locally by Appleyard Lees, this relaxed and welcoming event is designed to help you build meaningful professional relationships without the formality of a traditional conference.

Join us for a two‑hour **Sip and Paint** session — an evening of drinks, creativity and conversation with fellow professionals from across the IP community.

  5pm - 7pm

  Wednesday 25th March 2026

  Appleyard Lees office, The Lexicon, Manchester, M2 5NT 

![Women in IP - Appleyard Lees event](https://info.appleyardlees.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Women%20in%20IP%20-%20Appleyard%20Lees%20event.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=Women%20in%20IP%20-%20Appleyard%20Lees%20event.jpg "Women in IP - Appleyard Lees event")

### Why attend?

 In a profession built on collaboration, referrals and trusted relationships, strong networks matter. Connected Bubbles is a coordinated, nationwide celebration of the IP community. On the same day, IP professionals across the UK will be coming together in multiple cities, creating a shared moment of connection from Scotland to the South West.  

## Connect

Build relationships beyond your immediate firm or organisation - you'll meet peers across private practice, in-house and related IP roles. 

## Learn

Exchange insights on industry trends and shared challenges.

## Grow

Strengthen regional IP communities while being part of a UK-wide initiative 

Meet your Appleyard Lees hosts

![Harriet Bird](https://info.appleyardlees.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Harriet%20Bird.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=Harriet%20Bird.png "Harriet Bird")

## Harriet Bird

### Patent Attorney

Harriet has a broad range of experience across a variety of mechanical, electrical and physics-related fields. She has a passion for medical and healthcare inventions, as well as interests in consumer electronics, aerospace, subsea engineering and construction equipment.

![Rachel Mercer](https://info.appleyardlees.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Rachel%20Mercer.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=Rachel%20Mercer.png "Rachel Mercer")

## Rachel Mercer

### Senior Associate

Rachel is a UK and European patent attorney who helps her clients protect their innovations in the biotechnology and life sciences fields. Rachel’s practice encompasses a wide range of technologies, ranging from cancer therapeutics and DNA technologies to probiotics, biomarkers and molecular biology techniques.

![Alice Smart](https://info.appleyardlees.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Alice%20Smart.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=Alice%20Smart.png "Alice Smart")

## Alice Smart

### Associate

Alice drafts and prosecutes patent applications for biotechnological inventions and has also been involved in oppositions concerning generic pharmaceuticals and has worked on both European and international plant variety filings.

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