Women in Wholesale delivers high-impact speed mentoring
Women in Wholesale from Food & Drink Wholesale UK (FWD) delivered a high-energy speed mentoring event last week under the theme ‘Work Happy’
Hosted at Convene, 22 Bishopsgate, the event brought together some of the sector’s most influential leaders to support the next generation of talent.
The popular event delivered on three of the top priorities outlined in Women in Wholesale’s Championing Change report sponsored by Lumina Intelligence: more female role models (53%), more mentoring (36%) and more networking opportunities (24%).
With 14 inspiring mentors from the UK’s top wholesalers and suppliers, the event offered focused, fast-paced sessions on leadership, strategic thinking, self-doubt, emotional intelligence, and more – each designed to spark meaningful conversation and lasting impact.
Participants were placed in intimate group settings while mentors rotated from table to table, sharing practical advice and personal stories. The day concluded with work happy commitments and a lively drink’s reception, giving attendees the chance to connect more informally with mentors and peers against the backdrop of London’s skyline.
Clare Bocking, chair of Women in Wholesale and director at Immediate Impact, said: “A year’s worth of networking in one day. By creating space for honest dialogue, skill-building, and visible role models, we’re helping more women see a future for themselves in wholesale – and giving them the tools to get there.”
Attending the event, Hazel Boyd, senior customer manager at Heineken, said: “It’s such an inspiring day, making new connections with leading wholesalers and suppliers, all of which are committed to driving and supporting the progression of women in the wholesale sector.”
Mentors included senior leaders from Booker, Sysco GB, JJ Foodservice, Swizzels Matlow, Pip Organic, Rowan International and more, covering topics such as assertiveness, transitioning into leadership, building trust, and managing self-doubt.
The event was held at Convene, London’s newest luxury conference space located in the City’s tallest building, adding an inspiring setting to a standout day. The Women in Wholesale 2025 speed mentors were:
- Nikki Watts, sales director, Booker
- Kaan Hendekli, chief operating officer, JJ Foodservice
- Trudy Wilson, supply chain director, Booker
- Sheila Gallagher, commercial director, Booker
- Abbie Hackwell, retail development controller, Booker
- Nici Matlow, HR director, Swizzels Matlow
- Karen O’Flaherty, co-founder, Pip Organic
- Mariae Hackett, founder, Dapur Mariae
- Sarah Guest, managing director, Rowan International
- Kirsty Cooper, commercial director, Creed Foodservice
- Clare Bocking, director, Immediate Impact
- Melanie Tucker, head of out of home, Biotiful
- Coral Rose, co-chair, The Wholesale Group
- Jade Plampton, head of finance – FP&A, Sysco GB
- Laura Sealey, director global leadership development, Sysco GB
