Max Benson, co-founder of everywoman, reflects on a breakfast discussion at 10 Downing Street:
“I attended a roundtable discussion hosted by Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Small Business Lord Davies at 10 Downing Street this morning. It’s International Women’s Day and what a way to start things off, after hearing the news that Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar last night at the Academy Awards – about time too!
The roundtable discussion was attended by The Prime Minister, Minister for Women Harriet Harman and Secretary of State for Business, Lord Mandelson. There were 18 leading female figures in business present, including Lady Barbara Judge, Chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, West Ham United’s new vice-chairman and Spirit of everywoman Award winner Karren Brady, Alison Carnwath, who is only one of three women chairing a FTSE 100 organisation and Lorraine Heggessey CEO of talkbackTHAMES, the production company responsible for bringing us The X Factor and for inviting Karren to join The Apprentice, which we can’t wait to see more of.
After a very nice healthy breakfast, served by the always charming and delightful Downing Street staff, the Prime Minister thanked everyone for coming and recognised that in attendance were some of the people who were really bringing about positive changes for women in business in the UK. He even went as far as to state that in an ideal world these attendees would be part of the cabinet, which took Lord Mandelson a little by surprise!
Talks started around women in leadership and what needs to be done to get more women on boards. The majority of attendees agreed that they would rather achieve this by avoiding legislation, e.g. companies taking it upon themselves to increase the number of women on their boards, and if they don’t comply, then being asked to explain why not. Lord Davies told us that he will be shortly inviting all the FTSE 100 chairman to a meeting to discuss getting women on boards. It will be interesting to know who doesn’t turn up.
Talk turned to providing support for women starting and growing their own businesses. It’s felt that a lot is going on to support women in business but a clear strategic plan is required. We feel strongly about this, as any strategic plan must include consultation with those that are providing these useful support services so we don’t reinvent the wheel. We must build on the great work being doing by individuals, organisations and associations already. And there are a lot of great work being done to support, encourage and inspire more women into enterprise.
The Prime Minister and Lord Davies recognise what an important role women play in and the economic imperative to support them. Mr Brown made a copious amount of notes throughout the discussion which was pleasing to see, of course I have no idea what he was writing but it did leave me feeling hopeful that this wasn’t a show of force just for International Women’s Day, but part of an ongoing agenda to support and empower women in business in the UK. There was no question in anyone’s mind, the business women themselves and the politicians, that this country’s women have amazing talent and value to bring to business. A very empowering thought to start the day with.”
No Comments on this post