Pink Shoes at GEC 2012 Liverpool

A great start for Pink Shoe Club’s Úna McBride at GEC2012.

Firstly at the iconic St Georges Hall Concert Hall for the Liverpool Schools competition created by Gary Miller. This exhilarating event was inspired by Gary serving as a judge for Hope University Lynn McCann’s Junior Dragons Den events.

It was uplifting seeing the different ideas around which schools had created businesses.

Sat with Mike Parker Chairman of Liverpool Vision, he was very interested in Pink Shoe NW, had a great chat and we both bought products from young entrepreneurs – a book about Liverpool from a 7-year old from Rice Lane Infants School and a Snow Globe from Anfield Infant School – Childs Eyes on Liverpool. Two teenage Entrepreneurs, Ryan and Thomas who run Red Line Events, invited me to their 'Mocktail Party' at The Albert Dock with Miss UK. Met with some of the judges including Peter Avis who runs Babylon at Kensington Roof Garden for Virgin. All inspiring, and a very difficult to job for the judges!

Day 2 was the big event at the Arena & Conference Centre. Hearing the many speakers and meeting so many entrepreneurs was a real buzz. And I was one of many tweeting key ideas throughout the day.

Just a few of my personal highlights…

Richard Branson talking about the Elders, making a difference and using wisdom and experience.  World leaders such as Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter sharing ideas to solve world problems. "Its not just about making money... it’s about teaching people to create as well as doing good". 
That’s our take on business – its not just what you do in the business but how you impact the community and the wider world. Everyone got excited about Virgin Galactica too!

Very energizing to see the prizewinners from the schools competition – Rice Lane Infants School and Parklands High School for their T-Shirt range.

Terry Leahy told us that most young people should see themselves as entrepreneurs, but fewer than half do anything about it. He also talked about the importance of entrepreneurial thinking inside organisations, and some of the ideas developed within Tesco and from people coming out of big companies. Terry said you have to show courage and take personal risks, then you can change things both within an organisation and as an entrepreneur.

Acting on belief and being bold made the difference to the business.  ‘ A dream is just a dream if you don’t pursue it’. Very ‘Pink Sky’ Thinking!

Michael Heseltine said its vital to do what you enjoy – find something that makes you look forward to Monday mornings! He also admitted that luck pays a part.Talked about the public sector and how it could become more entrepreneurial. That the sheer scale of budgets meant Ministers are encouraged to look only at the big picture, but as in all small businesses often it’s the detail that counts.

Deborah Leary was inspiring, saying business is all about the people. She said since the recession people want to collaborate more, her company is working in more partnerships and there’s more energy in the market.

Martha Lane Fox agreed it was about working together, she could have done it on her own but so much stronger working with a good team. She said, there’s so much brilliance out there – harness it!

Met so many amazing people, touching base with friends and colleagues such as Alison Ball of Arup who were sponsors for GEC, along with Clare Dove of Blackburne House, Prof Julia Hausermann founder of R&H,  Barbara Cheyne of Scottish Power, Val McKie of Magma Effect, Julie McKenzie of Liverpool Vision, Mariam Al Mannai from Young Arab Leaders who travelled from Bahrain for the GEC. (She is hoping to come back to Liverpool for our Pink Shoe North West Interprise Forum in June) Rawand Madi from Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship in Jordan and many business owners.

Finally, I was pleased to hear the vision for Liverpool. A ‘smart’ city – looking 20 or 30 years to the future, to build on the vision for a green and global city! Met 'John Lennon' of The Back Beat Beatles on my way out…

On Wednesday I was on the Fringe – first of all at Blackburne House with the wonderful Clare Dove for the Social Enterprise in Action festival. Café conversations on all aspects of enterprise with entrepreneurs from Construction to Health & Wellbeing, lots of wonderful businesswomen, even a singing entrepreneur…Bernadette Whelan of Crescendo who enrolled the room into an impromptu singing experience so that everyone left smiling and uplifted!

In the evening it was the Women in Business Mastermind, chaired by the extraordinary Jeanette Kehoe-Perkinson with an array of wonderful women including Anna Heyes MD Active Profile, Deborah Leary Forensic Pathways, Deborah Blisson, and Bev of YTKO. It was great to hear from Carrie Green who started her first business at 20, and Anna Hayes, young Entrepreneur of the Year who works with young girls to inspire more to become entrepreneurs.

Deborah believes we must change the language, barriers are just challenges and if we go into something with the mindset it’s a barrier then it will be one! We heard about twitter too – she has 4 accounts but warns to be careful, she recently got hacked by a porn site… (having had problems tweeting that evening this was timely to hear)

Also had some good advice on employing people, or rather not employing them but outsourcing instead.

Bev said ‘cashflow is more important than your mother!’ The entire panel agreed that keeping a close eye on the money is vital. We also heard that although funding can be tough, prepare properly and you’ll get the finance.

Bev also relayed that in science and technology there is still a majority of men, a field in which she is clearly successful and she had some very visual and amusing ideas about how to succeed in a male-dominated world! Stuart Morris who travelled from Henley University courageously joined the debate on behalf of the gentlemen present!

It was also agreed that networking is a good tool towards success, and of course at Pink Shoe Club we endorse that!

Delighted that Deb Leary is interested in PSC projects we have planned for June and beyond, as are Anna and Cary. Stuart suggested being an ambassador for women and showed me a picture of his wife’s fabulous pinky/purple wedding shoes! I invited him to join Pink Shoe Club - Hurray for Stuart! Jeannette Kehoe Perkinson did a fantastic job and Maggie our host created a lovely entertaining evening!

On Friday we were at the Museum of Liverpool, then at 'The Light' in another iconic landmark, the Liver Building.

Thank you all and thank you Liverpool!

Marvellous Mavericks Tea at the House of Lords

To celebrate International Women’s Day the Pink Shoe Club Roll of Honour 2012 was announced with an afternoon tea in the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Morris of Bolton & Helene Martin Gee along with many fabulous members and friends.

This year Pink Shoe Club recognised innovative women who are inspiring role models and also brave enough to be individual. We sought women with brio, who were different from the crowd not only due to their achievements but their lifestyle, character and personality.

Helene said: On the eve of the 101st International Women's Day, we're marking the occasion by honouring women from around the world. Last year we chose 100 remarkable women, 10 from each decade, to mark the centenary. There were many we wished to include but simply didn’t have space.

So Pink Shoe commemorates IWD by celebrating women with its Annual Roll of Honour, each year a different theme. For 2012 we chose Marvellous Mavericks. Women with chutzpah, women who truly break the mould. Interestingly, when the research team looked into Marvellous Mavericks it discovered there is no Wikipedia page for ‘Eccentric Women’ - its time to start one!

The list is international and spans history to the present day.There are many English women included – perhaps eccentricity is something we do well!  We've been delighted to receive nominations of women who are not already well known.

I’m thrilled we have with us Cate McKenzie and her mother Tina McKenzie. Cate nominated her grandmother Hazel Adair (right). Truly a 'Marvellous Maverick'. Amongst other things Hazel helped invent soap operas and wrote the world’s first interracial screen kiss.

Helene went on to say that whilst celebrating eccentricity we're also celebrating genius. She quoted from Edith Sitwell: Eccentricity...is a kind of innocent pride. The genius is regarded as eccentric because s/he is unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd…

Helene explained.. “By some definitions there are 18 components, we’ve chosen to highlight three – nonconformist; curious; mischievous. These are some of the traits our Marvellous Mavericks display, and essential to success, whatever century or country we live in".

The room was in absolute silence to watch the powerful roll call of women from history. Helene then asked the group to recommend other women to include in the list. Postcards were handed out and some of those nominated added to the Roll of Honour, others will be featured in future lists.

Kenteas Brine shared thoughts on her twin sister, who sadly died last year. An extraordinary woman who touched many lives. Not only a successful sculptor and professional with a wonderful family, she set up her own charity in India. Helene said this is exactly whom we were celebrating, the woman who has many aspects to her life and lives each one with gusto!

At 3.30 we moved into the Attlee Room for a splendid afternoon tea and networking. As ever, Lady Morris was a gracious host, saying she loves Pink Shoe events, as the energy in the room is always so high and she meets so many interesting women!

Remarking that the words on the web site say it all... Pink Shoe Club connects women of influence to explore ideas, business and opportunities… An alliance of diverse, modern leaders who have a passion for their own lives and for encouraging and effecting positive change.

Lady Morris certainly displays these characteristics, and went on to say that when responsible for political candidates she saw the many differences between people, and the more engaging, broader approach women take "it’s important for us to work alongside men to achieve the greatest success".

Trish explained she had intended to wear more pink as per the dress code, and hoped her subtle salmon pink scarf was sufficient! We all said she looked lovely and it fitted the bill admirably.

Lady Morris then talked about all the great activities celebrating International Women's Day around the world and that we should spare a thought for women who weren’t able to enjoy the same freedoms and life choices we were fortunate to have.


Guests were served prosecco, and Lady Morris called for a toast. We raised our glasses to Marvellous Mavericks and to each of the women present, as well as those women unable to share our celebrations.

The event was another success for Pink Shoe and it was great to welcome some wonderful new members. Guests were reluctant to leave as they continued sharing conversation along the corridors of the House of Lords.

We were all very happy to receive a going-home gift of a scrumptious Cake Pop, created specially for Pink Shoe Club by Ling Tyler-Bennett and her new venture 'Sweet Success' yum yum!

Aperitivo Liverpool: Hope Street Hotel

In Liverpool, on the very last day of February Úna McBride hosted the first North West Aperitivo in the New Book Room at Hope Street Hotel.

Some of the guests from the launch popped in, and the Hotel provided lovely nibbles & drinks and use of a superb private room. Ruth Miller and the Hope Street team were very friendly and attentive - we shall definitely return again to Hope Street soon!
 


About Aperitivo: These smaller, informal gatherings were set up in response to member requests to provide a chance to connect one-to-one, rather than at bigger events where its difficult to get around everyone.

Aperitvo is an Italian custom of pre-dinner drinks and a few nibbles. For Pink Shoe it means people can drop by after work without having to pre-book, then head off home or out to dinner following a pleasant after-work interlude. 

Aperitivo London: Le Méridien Piccadilly

Keep Warm & Carry on!

That was the message on a very chilly February evening as members and friends met for informal cocktails and canapés in splendid 5* luxury at Le Meridien’s stylish Longitude Bar in Piccadilly.

 

It was fun to arrive and see the club's name in lights as Le Meridien had added Pink Shoe Club to the board in the foyer.

A private area was reserved, with particular note being made of the highly appropriate picture of pink(ish) shoes on the wall!

Boris and his team looked after us extremely well, with hot & cold tapas and yummy nibbles along with prosecco.

We all enjoyed an easy-going evening with lots of lighthearted networking, exchanging business contacts and ideas.

Pink Shoe Pops-Up in the North West!

On a brilliant sunny Thursday, Pink Shoe stepped out in Liverpool! Leading businesswomen and men from across the North West enjoyed a spectacular pop-up event at the UK’s tallest restaurant Panoramic 34. 

Helene Martin Gee thanked everyone for coming; NW chairman Úna McBride; wonderful speakers- Jill Pay, Serjeant at Arms at House of Commons; Sylvia Tidy-Harris founder of 4 companies including womenspeakers.co.uk; Alison Loveday, Managing Partner of Manchester law firm Berg; and Panoramic 34 for hosting us.

Delighted to be in iconic Liverpool – historically centre of the world via shipping and its unbeatable music heritage, Helene referred to the growing focus on creative and media business.

She gave a brief introduction to Pink Shoe Club. Explaining pink was a boy’s colour until 1920s so in a way Pink Shoe is reclaiming the power of pink, showing we’re happy to celebrate powerful femininity.

Helene talked about the exciting Global Entrepreneurship Congress in March. Pink Shoe is very active with entrepreneurs and is planning to be fully involved in the GEC and fringe events.

The club's main facets are entrepreneurship; thought leadership and getting more women into senior roles; and close links to Parliament, which influences every aspect of our lives- using the connection to get the voice of women heard. Also, links with European Women in Leadership (WIL), Women in Public Policy and with Vistage UK.

At Pink Shoe events there are no badges, which encourages wider networking and often unexpectedly successful connections. PSC seeks ‘radiators’ not ‘sponges’, women (and men) who are successful in their lives; aim to share ideas and do business together; also want to give something back.

Helene said its essential to leave a legacy, partly achieved through ‘Pink Potentials’ some of whom had helped at the event and greeted guests, along with Pink Shoe London ambassadors.

Previous Pink Potentials are working around the world – a museum in Tokyo, top ad agency in Paris, think tank in London, running a human rights charity in Kosovo...

Pink Shoe is a peer-to-peer group, just 150 ambassadors in each city by invitation only, plus growing number of Diplomat members also very senior and successful, both women and men. Members from the North West will be welcome at events both in the region and in London and Brussels.

The club is organising these pop-up events in response to the requirements of businesswomen in the area, and with local passion and know-how. Helene said this passion is epitomized by Úna McBride – local businesswoman and tireless campaigner, founder member of Pink Shoe who lobbied hard to ensure the North West was the first Pink Shoe pop-up. 

Úna then warmly welcomed guests and shared her delight at having a full house. She explained her personal passion for the region and its people and places.

Úna's vision is for Pink Shoe women in the North West to connect and do business as well as have fun. To support each other in their own business and career goals, whilst also being able to hold a hand out to the next generation.

Úna said the Pink Potentials team at the event of Dani, Katie & Chloe are young women who will go far and Pink Shoe aims to help them.

She thanked Helene, Vanda Green and the London Pink Shoe members who had joined us, and praised Panoramic 34 and its extraordinary views, also the excellent Panoramic team who looked after us so well from start to finish, and prepared the splendid afternoon tea.

Úna then opened the conversation and welcomed her illustrious panelists Jill, Sylvia & Alison.

North West Tête-à-Têtes Tea

The first Tête-à-Têtes conversation in the North West opened to a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing senior women today.

Jill Pay said the House of Commons is still very male-dominated. It’s beginning to change and there are now more female MPs. The administration office has many senior females managers, although there are at present no women on the board.

Sylvia Tidy-Harris explained that as a manager of speakers and media experts, including new Dragon Hilary Devey, her field is very accessible to women. She is glad to see that last year’s victory over ageism at the BBC was creating greater opportunities for mature women in the media. Alison Loveday’s view is that the field of law is also changing, with more than 50% of law graduates now female. That too is an opportunity as more women enter the profession and reach the top.

The panel then shared some of their 'Top Tips’ for Success. Jill said the key for her is to do something you enjoy and are passionate about. Sylvia agreed that passion is vital, and that as an entrepreneur she very much relies on a good team around her.

Jill went on to describe her role model - Betty Boothroyd, former Speaker of the House of Commons and a formidable and feminine professional, who was widely respected for her handling of the role of Speaker. Ms Boothroyd had shared some of her wisdom with Jill when she first took up the post of Serjeant at Arms. Speakers all agreed that role models are more important than ever. Sylvia’s clients at womenspeakers.co.uk are all experts in their field, speaking from real knowledge of their sector.

Úna took the conversation into a more frivolous field to talk about – of course- shoes! The group admired Alison’s shoes, which whilst not pink were nonetheless gorgeous. Sylvia told us she loves a bargain and shops at a factory outlet, which sells all the big brands at knockdown prices; sworn to secrecy she couldn’t be persuaded to reveal its location. Helene admitted to having 33 pairs of pink shoes (not to mention many other pairs in different colours), she gets 'told off' when she doesn’t wear pink on her feet!

Úna asked us to consider a more serious subject, in the light of the recent welcome increase in the number of women on boards. The panel then discussed whether quotas should be introduced. All three panellists outlined why they believe this would be wrong, saying quotas are a bad idea "we don't want tokenism" was the view expressed.

Jill felt strongly that women must get there on merit and it was generally agreed that although the percentage is still far too low and that this is frustrating, quotas are not the route to go.

Úna then asked the audience to vote on the question of quotas. Almost unanimously they responded with a resounding NO! Just one audience member felt quotas were possibly a good idea, as it will take far too long to get there otherwise. 99% of the group do not want to see quotas for boards introduced.

With questions from the audience, Atiti Sosimi asked how people balanced work and home life. Alison said she needs a wife! Like many women, she juggles with work and family responsibilities, often putting the children to bed then getting back on the computer to continue working.

Catherine Fairhurst from Ernst & Young asked whether things are more difficult today for young women considering business or entrepreneurship in this age of celebrity. While some thought it does add to pressure, in fact the consensus was that the TV spotlight on entrepreneurs could be a good thing. Highlighting positive role models, we all agreed is essential for all young people.

Sylvia then drew our attention to the increasing problem of cyber bullying via social networks, this is appalling for everyone who experiences it whether young or more mature, and its something we all need to work on together to stamp it out.

Given Liverpool’s hosting of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in March, Jeanette Keyhoe-Perkinson asked how best to encourage more young women to set up their own business. Many organisations find that far fewer girls consider self-employment.

For this again, role models are key, there are in fact successful female entrepreneurs and young women need to have the opportunity to hear their stories. As Training Partner, Alison works with many enthusiastic young people and enjoys helping them develop their careers.

Helene said that Pink Shoe have many young women engaging via its annual enterprise event in Parliament, which attracts roughly 50/50 male and female students. She also stressed the need to highlight successful SMEs and that niche businesses can provide very attractive case studies. A business does not have to be big to be a success.

Sylvia cited the example of one of her clients, with us at the event was Nikki Hesford award-winning founder of Miss Fit UK who at 26 has been running her own business for 4 years. Nikki is certainly a beacon for other budding young entrepreneurs and this was a very positive end to a captivating conversation.

Helene then read a message of support from Pink Shoe Patron, the Home Secretary Rt Hon Theresa May MP. And Úna invited guests to continue mingling over the excellent afternoon tea, as pink Perrier Jouet was served. Úna also announced our collection for local charity PSS (which raised over £130).

At 5pm we moved into the bar area for another glass of Champagne and listened to local schoolgirl Chloe Mclaughlan sing “This is the dream” written specifically for the Olympics. Chloe provided a brilliant end to an amazing event. She is just 14 and attends Bishops Rawstorne Church of England Academy in Croston. The song is available on YouTube from 1st February. 

Úna brought the afternoon to a close as guests drifted homewards with their super goody bags created by Panoramic’s lovely Leona and including samples from local business Tru Organics, info and mousemats from Parliament and a pretty pink flower.

Some guests lingered to continue networking in the superb Panoramic bar, enjoying unbeatable views of Liverpool at night. We had met many amazing women and we all love Liverpool!

With HUGE thanks: Vanda Green, Atiti Sosimi, Chris Martin, Sue Hall, Dani Roe, Katie Gray, Chloe McLaughlan; Jill Pay, Sylvia Tidy-Harris & Alison Loveday. Panoramic 34, especially Leona & Sarah & the great restaurant team & kitchen brigade. Tina & Ruth from Tru; Ling Tyler-Bennett & London members Kaz Brine, Diane Shawe & Almira Ross.

Entrepreneur Award for Sara Murray

At the British Institute of Technology & E-Commerce Awards, Buddi Founder Sara Murray received the Creative Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Presented at the House of Lords by BITE Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the All-Party Entrepreneurship Group, Lord Ahmed of Rotherham.




Sara, who is an Ambassador Member of Pink Shoe Club, was nominated for the Award by Pink Shoe Founder Helene Martin Gee, who accompanied Sara as she collected the Award.