Edinburgh EB Roadshow with RBS

Edinburgh was the latest stop for the Economic Blueprint Roadshow supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland. Given the exciting activity taking place for female enterprise across Scotland we had high hopes and were definitely not disappointed.

The afternoon was opened by founder Helene Martin Gee who gave a quick overview of Pink Shoe and why we celebrate pink - which used to be a colour for boys!

Then the bank's Head of Women in Business, the award-winning Yvonne Greeves inspired us all with her passion for female enterprise and how much the bank is doing in this space.

The keynote was delivered by Chrissy Mackay, founder of BeYonder who energised every one of us and got us out of our seats! 









Jill Pay then gave a clear insight into the extensive work of the Economic Blueprint and the roadshow itself before we were able to open envelopes and get down to the roundtable discussions.

A big thank you to the wonderful Edinburgh delegates who came up with so many excellent ideas for the EB White Paper and especially to our brilliant discussion chairs: Janice Cuningham, Tracy Thomson, Susan Harkins, Emma Miller, Criona Courtney.

Business Breakfast at the Telegraph

NatWest and the Telegraph held a breakfast meeting with many leading women in business to discuss the findings of the Alison Rose Review on Female Entrepreneurship. 

Parliamentary Lecture & Viewing of Jill Pay Portrait

The annual International Women's Day lecture at Parliament marked an historic anniversary on the centenary of Nancy Astor, the first woman to take her seat in Parliament as Dr Jacqui Turner gave a fascinating insight into the life of this remarkable woman.

We were all thrilled to view the two recently acquired photographic portraits for the Parliamentary collection by the highly talented Anita Corbin. 

Former Serjeant at Arms and now Pink Shoe Senate Chairman Jill Pay, and Parliamentary Chaplain Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

Prime Minister's IWD Reception

Pink Shoe founder Helene Martin Gee attended a reception hosted by Theresa May at 10 Downing Street to mark International Women's Day. 

Many entrepreneurs and business leaders were present including Julie Baker of NatWest and Alison Rose, who recently completed the Rose Review on female entrepreneurship.

IWD Gala Dinner

Pink Shoe Ambassadors joined Women 2 Win at the Lansdowne Club for a splendid Gala Dinner in celebration of International Women's Day.

BoardAble Spring Cohort

The Spring 2019 BoardAble cohort got off to an excellent start with the first seminar. The group of eight senior women achieved a place on the programme from a very strong field and are an enthusiastic and inspiring group. 

After a challenging afternoon, delegates, programme leaders and session observers were joined by Pink Shoe Ambassadors and BoardAble alumnae for drinks and networking.

EB Roadshow Liverpool

The latest stop of the national EB Roadshow was Liverpool. 

Supported by NatWest we were joined by leading female entrepreneurs and business owners from across the region to share ideas for the EB White Paper we'll publish later this year.

Our founder Helene Martin Gee opened the afternoon and we then heard from local entrepreneur Sara McKee, founder of Evermore, about her innovative business that aims to create centres for elderly people to live in communities that embrace all aspects of life in an holistic and enjoyable way. Sara was refreshingly honest about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Her passion for Evermore and determination to succeed was truly inspiring.

Heather Waters then warmly welcomed delegates on behalf of NatWest and outlined the many innovative activities the bank offers to women in business. Jill Pay then updated us on the progress of the UK Economic Blueprint for Women across the country.

Each group discussed a different topic and the roundtables were chaired by leading business women from the region. 
Better backing for female business – Alison Loveday - Partner, Kennedy’s

Innovation rules! – Angela Moretta – Relationship Director Commercial Banking, NatWest

Securing the talent to scale – Ruth Kirby – Senior Relationship Manager Commercial Banking, NatWest

Business for good is good for business – Jacqueline Winstanley – Founder & CEO, Universal Inclusion

Barriers or opportunities? – Maggie O’Carroll – Chief Executive, the Women’s Organisation.

Each group came up with 3 key ideas for inclusion in the White Paper and we heard initial comments from an expert panel of Heather Waters, Sara McKee and Vanda Green. See the ideas here: EB Roadshow Liverpool Outputs