January saw the year begin with Pink
Shoe gathering together the brightest and best of its members for the Economic
Blueprint Taskforce, with some incredible women leading and participating in the four work streams. The taskforce created a 10-point plan of key action points ready for the new
Parliament, to be delivered within the next 5-year term 2015-2020.
In February, invited members joined The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP for a Cabinet Office Public Appointments reception at Admiralty House.
For International Women's Day in March members enjoyed a fascinating roundtable
'Women in Parliament' hosted by Lady Howells. This highlighted the many and
diverse roles women hold in the House, from Speaker's Chaplain to Editor of
Hansard. We also attended the excellent annual IWD lecture at the House of
Commons.
In April we were with the Centre for
Entrepreneurs (CFE) at the launch of their new report on female
entrepreneurship 'Shattering
Stereotypes' supported by
Barclays and based on research from ERC and others. We also celebrated St George's
Day with drinks and networking in Parliament.
On the last day of Parliament before the General Election we held the Spring Soirée before all the MPs went back to their constituencies to campaign.
When Parliament returned in May with a new Government, Pink Shoe held 'Election Reflection'.
A high level debate with a range of speakers from all political parties, discussing the impact on both the nation at large and entrepreneurs and women in business in particular.
An essential part of the Pink Shoe calendar, places were balloted for the State Opening of Parliament. Winning Ambassadors watched the arrival of HM The Queen then relished a special State Opening luncheon before visiting the Chamber for the debate of the Queen's Speech.
On Monday 15th June - 800 years to the day of the historic signing of
Magna Carta - we held a 'LiberTea' at the House of Lords in commemoration. The only such celebration held in Westminster on the actual anniversary of this momentous
event.
During July and August a series of splendid Ambassadors' Lunches were held on the terrace, where we were able to enjoy wonderful summer buffets in excellent company - and were lucky every time with the weather!
In September the autumn soirée hosted by Lady Uddin was held in the glorious River Room in support of Save the Children.
With prestigious speakers including Small Business Minister Anna Soubry, Alan Mak MP and WIPP president Jennifer Bisceglie the conference was highly acclaimed.
For Global Entrepreneurship Week in November an interactive event at Parliament 'Pink Shoe Hullaballoo involved young entrepreneurs and Parliamentarians for lively debate.
Then for Parliament Week our 'Women in Public Life' seminar highlighted Ministerial Public Appointments and encouraged more people to #DoDemocracy, with insights from the Cabinet Office and Sarah Anderson CBE.
Pink Shoe rounded off a hectic year with December's fabulous Winter Soirée, the perfect finale.