#FQ2 at The Shard

#FQ2 at the Shard was hugely successful! 

Sincere thanks to our sponsors Addidi for generously supporting the event, to our hosts Warwick Business School and Enterprise Research Centre, and to Marketing Nest and The Sourcing Team for the goodie bags.

After a warm welcome from Professor Stephen Roper on behalf of  WBS and ERC, we were inspired by Alan Mak MP who is not only a strong advocate for female enterprise he also stressed the importance of STEM subjects.

After an introduction from Pink Shoe Founder Helene Martin Gee delegates heard from the ERC's Mark Hart with fascinating facts and figures on women's entrepreneurship in the UK. 

Jill Pay, chairman of the Pink Shoe Senate then outlined the work of the Economic Blueprint and how vital this is to encourage and support more UK women to establish and grow their businesses.

We were honoured to be joined by our US Partners WIPP International with a powerful keynote from President Jennifer Bisceglie, herself a successful business owner.

Lively and informative presentations followed from two of the workstreams. The Access to Markets team of Maggie Berry, Ishreen Bradley and Marianne Schoenig shared with us their work on supporting procurement initiatives and the creation of a business hub so that women can cluster to win more contracts.  We then heard from Anna Sofat, founder of Addidi and a passionate advocate of women investing in women.

The prestigious panel of Sarah Anderson CBE, Derek Browne, Dinah Bennett OBE and Julia Elliott Brown, was chaired by Jennifer Bisceglie and moderated by Sue Lawton MBE. Closing remarks from Baroness Burt of Solihull brilliantly captured the upbeat mood of the day.

During the Champagne afternoon tea we were delighted to be joined by Business Minister Anna Soubry, who said: “In the 21^st century, women-led businesses should get a fairer share of the market. That is why I welcome the development of the UK Economic Blueprint and the work of the Pink Shoe Foundation to give talented women a strong, influential voice.”

UK Economic Blueprint for Women

Pink Shoe aims to become the definitive hub for the UK’s female entrepreneurs and to contribute to the achievement of the following goals for Women-owned Businesses (WBs) in the UK. 

Our vision is that by the end of 2020:

1.         The percentage of WBs will increase to 30% (from 18% in 2015)

2.         Gross value-added revenues generated by WBs will increase by 30% and the number of new jobs created in WBs will increase by 30%

3.         Sustainability of WBs established 5 years will be measured and increased by 30%

4.         The value of exports by WBs will increase by 30%

5.         An index of the corporate and government spend with WBs, will be created, tracked and published -  working towards a target of 5% (from 1% in 2015)

6.         An index to measure mentoring for WBs will be created

7.         PSF will have built 80 collaborative partnerships in the UK

8.         A definitive ‘Go To’ online resource portal for UK based WBs will be created

9.         A marketplace will be developed to enable WBs to cluster in order to win contracts

10.      The number of women angel investors will increase to 30% (15% in 2015)

Contact:

info@pinkshoeclub.com

www.pinkshoeclub.com

Autumn Soiree

Our autumn soiree was held in support of Save the Children, by Kind Permission of The Lord Speaker at the wonderful River Room of the House of Lords. 















Baroness Uddin hosted the reception and once the many distinguished guests had arrived in the River Room, Lady Uddin held the floor telling us why this cause is of personal importance to her. Drawing from her own experiences of working with the charity during the Bangladesh earthquake and highlighting the many examples of good practice to which the charity adheres.

Canapés were bestowed by the ace team of Sacha, Davaa and Tamila (left) and pink champagne was enjoyed.






Then Helene, who not only founded Pink Shoe but has been a long-serving committee member of Save the Children, spoke about the hardship many children around the world face on a daily basis, and how the much-needed support from Save the Children makes such a positive impact on these childrens’ lives.

The evening ended with more pink fizz, chocolates and delicious pudding canapés.

Audrey Hepburn Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery

This wonderful exhibition spanning the life of the iconic Audrey Hepburn was a true delight. 

Some of the images were very familiar, along with lesser known early photographs and some never before seen in public.

We then sampled lunch in the restaurant, with great food accompanied by fabulous views across the London rooftops to the Palace of Westminster.

                

Pink Shoes on the Terrace

For our second summer lunch we were lucky enough to be on the Terrace again, to which we were welcomed by Davina with glasses of proscecco in the glorious sunshine.








Ambassadors and guests were then able to enjoy poached salmon with a variety of super salads, all created especially for us by chef John. Conversation flowed and guests lingered in the excellent company. Another very special Pink Shoe event!

Ambassadors' Summer Luncheon

In convivial company Pink Shoe Ambassadors enjoyed the food and atmosphere for our formal summer luncheon. 

Huge thanks to the Terrace Pavilion team for a stupendous buffet and top notch service. 

Aperitivo

Pink Shoe Ambassadors gathered at Parliament Street for our final Aperitivo of the season.

As ever it was a lively evening with an especially warm welcome for new Ambassador Mina Rahman.