‘Onwards’ named as 2021 Women in Wholesale theme

Honing the skills to keep moving forward is the focus of Women in Wholesale’s 2021 activity.

Built around the theme ‘Onwards!’, the organisation’s first 12 months since partnering with FWD will see progress sit at the top of the diversity agenda.

A series of events and guidance are expected through the year, with the first one a virtual Women in Wholesale Speed Mentoring sessions on 29 April.

And Chairperson Clare Bocking hopes this year’s efforts will help to keep Women in Wholesale’s key messages front and centre as the industry re-emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When a crises hits, it’s easy for diversity and inclusion to take a back seat if it is not embedded in your culture,” said Bocking.

“Onwards! reflects the need to progress and move forwards, both personally, professionally and on a company-wide scale.

There are now no all-male boards across the FTSE 350 firms, according to the 30% Club’s latest data. “Wholesale has some catching up to do. Our 2021 program will help.”

The return of the Speed Mentoring event in April gives attendees the chance to get advice from key figures across the sector, with Spar Retail Managing Director Louise Hoste, JJ Foodservice Chief Operating Officer Mushtaque Ahemd and JW Filshill Managing Director Simon Hannah among the early mentors confirmed.

The event is free to attend, but with spaces limited it’s important to register soon.

Clare Bocking diversity FWD JJ Foodservice JW Filshill Louise Hoste Mushtaque Ahmed Simon Hannah Spar Retail Women in Wholesale