International Biannual with WIL and Global WIN

At the House of Commons Attlee Suite, the WIL Biannual event was opened by PSC Founder Helene Martin Gee and Thaima Samman founder of WIL; then we heard from Helen Milby of GlobalWIN, welcoming over 100 international businesswomen and men.

The keynote speeches were given by Mary Macleod MP and US Commissioner Julie Brill.

The conference topic was ‘How to determine a company’s true value’. Full outcomes from the high powered discussions are being circulated.

During this amazing day we heard from some fascinating speakers, including: Pierre-Yves Cros, Chief Development Officer Capgemini; Laurence Capron, INSEAD Strategy Professor; Brigitte Dumont, Chief Officer, Group CSR Orange;  Paulina Dejmek-Hack, Cabinet Commissioner at the European Commission.

After an energizing morning of panel debate, we moved to the House of Lords for lunch hosted by Baroness Jenkin. 

This gave us the opportunity to mix with other delegates, gaining insights from the influential businesswomen, thought leaders and high ranking politicians from across the EU and US. 


Then it was back to the House of Commons for the next panel debate and some roundtable discussion on SMEs, brilliantly chaired by multi award-winning entrepreneur Katherine Corich of Sysdoc. 

At 4pm the event was eloquently closed by PSC Senate Chairman Jill Pay, before delegates were given guided tours of the Palace of Westminster.

Women's Talent Pool & Skype Reception

Women in leadership (WIL) held its Biannual meeting at Westminster in partnership with Pink Shoe Club and Washington’s Global WIN. Over two packed days in London, we joined with international delegates from across the EU and USA.

On Thursday afternoon the conference began with a great session on the ‘Women’s Talent Pool’ in House of Lords Committee Room 1. After a warm welcome from Baroness Howells of St David’s, we heard from WTP creator Elena Bonfiglioli, Senior Director Health EMEA, Microsoft. 

The inspiring speakers included Julie Brill, US Federal Trade Commissioner and prominent Author Avivah Wittenberg Cox. Then the first WTP cohort, having completed their year on the programme, reported on their experiences and welcomed the second intake for the 2014 Talent Pool.

 

Thanks to Global WIN, an evening reception was then held at Skype’s London HQ. Delegates were joined by business leaders including many Pink Shoe members.











With a keynote speech from Joanna Shields, CEO of Tech City.

Tessa Sanderson Reception

Pink Shoe Club supported its Patron Tessa Sanderson White CBE at a lunch reception for her Foundation. Held by permission of the Lord Speaker at the River Room, House of Lords the event was hosted by Baroness Howells, the charity’s Patron. 

Guests included Diane Abbott MP and Tessa's husband Densign White, along with leading sports people and young athletes from the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy.

WIP Global Forum in Brussels

Pink Shoe Founder Helene Martin Gee attended the Women in Parliaments (WIP) Global Forum Annual Summit at the European Parliament in Brussels.



The event is attended by women from Parliaments around the world, with over 100 nations represented.






The aim was to advance the participation of women in Parliament and to address global challenges by using the collective strength and ability of women Parliamentarians. 








After a packed day of debate in the main chamber there was a stunning Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony at the Royal Museum of Art & History, supported by EY. Following the welcome, there was a keynote speech from Vivian Reding, VP of the European Commission, then Awards were presented for winners in 'Political Empowerment' and 'Closing the Gender Gap'. 

Recipients included Portia Simpson-Miller. PM of Jamaica; Donatille Mukabalosa, Speaker from Rwanda; Loren Legarda, Phillipines Senator; Eyglo Haroardottir Minsiter, Iceland.

Shell LiveWIRE Awards

One of the highlights of Global Entrepreneurship Week are the Shell LiveWIRE Awards.

Eight finalists are chosen from the 48 winners of the monthly LiveWIRE ‘Grand Ideas’ awards. Our very own Helene Martin Gee was a judge this year and she and her fellow judges had a hard time choosing from such innovative young entrepreneurs. Finalists showcase their business at the awards ceremony and guests are able to meet the entrepreneurs and hear more about each journey to success.

The energetic and inspiring MC was Saira Khan, who delighted the audience with her own stories of starting her business- including trips to the post office in pajamas!

Helene gave the audience a glimpse into the process of judging, and the inspiration the judges took from each finalist - they are selecting an entrepreneur not judging the business. 

The 2013 Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year is Jerome Hagan, aged 24, founder of RevisionApp which has had over 1million downloads and launched just one year ago.

For the first time ever the judges requested a special Innovation Award, which Shell UK Chairman Ed Daniels presented to Arthur Kay, founder of bio-bean, which uses coffee grounds to create green bio-fuel.  

Clearly all the Finalists are winners and no doubt we'll be hearing a lot more from these awesome entrepreneurs!

interprise:13 GEW High Impact Award for 4th year!

A packed House of Lords room was the scene for the 7th annual ‘interprise’ event to Inspire Entrepreneurs to Take a Step Forward! In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Discussions followed the same format as stage I, held in Manchester in June. Delegates included business people of all ages and sectors, along with students from Woodside High in Haringey.

Earl of Erroll-Merlin-Chairman of the All-Party Group on Entrepreneurship, opened the event with a welcome for our keynote speaker, Matthew Hancock MP, Minister of State for Skills & Enterprise.

The Minister displayed real understanding of all the many issues surrounding entrepreneurs and small business owners. At a time of record levels of UK business creation, he stressed the importance of perseverance and giving it a go ‘the real failure is not to try at all’. 

Matthew promised to listen to all the ideas delegates suggest, as he is keen for Government to continue its support for SMEs and reinforced the willingness to improve opportunities for those wishing to start a business.

Anne Marie Morris MP, Government’s South West Business Ambassador and Founder/Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Micro Business spoke briefly before dashing off to vote!

Helene Martin Gee and Jill Pay set the scene for the evening and questions were announced as delegates broke into discussion groups.

The Groups were chaired by Alison Loveday, Managing Partner of Berg in Manchester; 

Diane Shawe, CEO and Founder of the Academy of Vocational and Professional Training.









Matt Smith Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurs and co-founder & former policy director of NACUE; 

And Jenny Wardle, co-founder of sparkling wine boutique retailer Grays & Feather.


There was a real buzz in the room as discussions got underway. 



Once ideas were agreed for each group they were put to the dynamic Panel chaired by Sue Lawton, with Liesl Smith of the Federation of Small Businesses; Alex Mitchell, Founder of Young Brits and chairman, G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance; and Helene Martin Gee. Discussion then followed with more ideas being added and suggestions incorporated from the panel.

The final interprise Ideas included:

Embed enterprise in curriculum at age 7

Create a portal to link entrepreneurs of all ages to share skills & experience

Commission more positive media and TV  how about a ‘Strictly Come Business’ programme with helpful feedback for start-ups from experienced entrepreneurs

After a vote, the best idea was agreed as: Create open door regional peer2peer networks of SMEs to invest (cash/time/resources) in local start-ups

These ideas will be added to the outcomes from Manchester then presented to the Minister for consideration. 

PSC is thrilled to have been awarded GEW High Impact Award for the 4th year running!

PSC Women in Public Life Programme Launches

As part of its partnership with Parliament Week, Pink Shoe Club kicked off the Week with a ‘Women in Public Life’ luncheon at the House of Commons to launch its innovative Shadowing Scheme.  Conversation covered a variety of topics from exciting upcoming projects to empowering stories from club members. 

PSC founder Helene Martin Gee shared an overview of the ‘Take a Walk in My Shoes’ project she has created. 

Alongside the shadowing scheme, Una McBride has devised a video series. PSC is commissioning short films featuring women role models, all of whom will be interviewed by broadcaster Susan Bookbinder.

Focusing on its aim to promote hands-on experience alongside successful women, including Sarah Anderson CBE; Kate Barker CBE; Claire Ighodaro CBE; Anne Watts CBE; Sandi Rhys Jones OBE. These high profile role models will be shadowed by board-ready career women. The shadowing experience will be supported by professional workshops and other key activities.

Ling Tyler-Bennett went on to explain that the recruitment process includes a fair, open and objective assessment that takes into account both technical abilities and behavioural characteristics.  Having completed its feasibility study and planning stage but PSC is recruiting its pilot cohort of 5-6 candidates ready to begin the programme in January.

Vanda Green explained this is part of Pink Shoe’s commitment to supporting ‘lifelong development of women’. She further outlined the training, which includes four workshop sessions involving panel discussions and relevant talks such as the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life.’  Vanda emphasised PSC's high expectations and suggested applicants should only apply if they are poised to further their careers and potential through the programme.

Sharing personal insight, Jill Pay said that part of the responsibility of holding a public appointment is always giving back.  Also essential is to come to terms with the fact that you are in the public eye.  She then brought out what was a recurring theme during the luncheon: Women in public life must believe in themselves, because being in a public role implies that others have already placed their trust in you.

Guests, all women in senior roles, then heard from the indefatigable Sandi Rhys Jones, who shared her extensive experience as a board director in private, public and third sector organizations. Sandi had some excellent tips and said visibility is key when seeking that first role. She pointed out that the lovely room in which we were lunching had many august portraits from history – no one of them a woman. Sandi welcomed the PSC initiatives as she believes it will challenge ingrained behaviours of power holders.

Stella O'Brien from the Cabinet Office expressed Government’s keen intention for more women to take up public appointments. Her insights into the process were both interesting and enlightening as she explained the different areas of public appointments. As a first action, Stella provided ‘Public Appointments’ Information packs for guests to take.

Jill Pay then led roundtable debate in which members shared personal experiences specific to their area of expertise.  This showcased the wide range of PSC professionals and the empowerment of women in public life. Discussions overall highlighted self-belief and confidence, to take advantage of support that is offered and most importantly: never give up!