Inspire support progress

Women in Wholesale

WiW is an educational networking programme designed to inspire, support and develop women of all levels working in UK grocery and foodservice wholesale.

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Meet the Women in Wholesale Steering Committee

Please take note of the key 2022 events:

Wellness Group – 25th August 9:30-11am. Run by Amanda Casey at JW Filshill for Mental Health First Aiders and leaders who want to share tips. Register here

WiW Allies – 1st September 10:00-11am. Run by Chris Tarquini of Brown Forman for male managers and leaders who would to become better allies. Register here

WiW Annual Conference – September 22nd at 1 Wimpole Street, London W1G 0AE. Our annual get together in a state-of-the-art venue. Learn more and register here.

Conference September 2022

Be The Best You

Join us for a full day of inspiring and lively sessions designed to help business leaders and emerging talent to be their best selves and create the best work environments for their teams.

Date: 22nd September 2022

Venue: 1 Wimpole St, London W1G 0AE

Timing: 10:00am-4:30pm

Drinks and networking: 4:30pm-6pm

Sessions will cover:

Diversity and inclusion hacks – easy-to-implement tips
Returning to work – creating better work environments for parents
How to grow ideas – inspiring stories from entrepreneurs
Understanding neuroscience to create inclusivity
Situational leadership – what it means and what works
How to be compelling and influential

Tickets cost £200 + VAT

Sponsors get two free places

Watch the presentations from the 2021 conference here

April 28 2022

Speed Mentoring

A fantastic day of learning and sharing

Women in Wholesale and FWD’s Speed Mentoring event took place on April 28th in London. This free full-day event featured nine amazing mentors:

Tackling Imposter Syndrome – Lisa Jayne Hanson, Bestway

Creating Career Paths – Joanna Florczak, JJ Foodservice

Managing Stakeholders – Louise Hoste, SPAR UK

Empowering Middle Managers – Cheryl Hope, Blakemore Foodservice

Good Networking – Jill Livesey, Lumina Intelligence

Allyship – Alex Faupel, Microsoft UK

Personal Development Plans – Clare Bocking, DCS

Bringing Your Whole Self to Work – Ayman Nasreldin, Professional Coach

How to Pitch Ideas – Andy Lancaster, Natwest Bank

Speed Mentoring is our fastest-growing event and perfect for up-and-coming leaders and anyone who needs a confidence and motivation boost.

The day consisted of a series of short, focused conversations in small groups, led by our mentors who will chair a 14 – 18 minute discussion. They were a fast-paced but informal way to make industry contacts, whilst the discussion topics will provide substance to the conversations.

The day ended with an extended networking session in a local pub.

Why are we organising Women in Wholesale?

A healthy mix of men and women is better for business. There are now no male-only boards on FTSE 350 companies, with females accounting for 34% of board seats. Women account for 47% of people working in wholesale but only an estimated 17% are senior level managers and directors, presenting great opportunities for women currently working in the sector. According to our independent research, 100% of women in wholesale believe that gender diversity leads to better business. 63% said businesses are not doing enough to achieve gender balance at the top

Wholesalers need support with personal career development

According to our independent research, 51% of women working in wholesale need support with personal career development. This event creates a focused, educational environment that supports, nurtures and develops our talent.

Inspire and educate newcomers

This programme is not just for senior women in wholesale – it is a valuable chance for newcomers to the industry to build knowledge, meet key industry people and realise the great opportunities available in wholesale.

We need to make wholesale more attractive

There is a lot of work currently being done within our sector to make wholesale an attractive long-term career choice. Highlighting our best women is a constructive way to make the industry more appealing to a greater diversity of talent.

Six Steps to Effectively Market Wholesale Careers to Women

Six Steps to Nurture, Grow and Advance Talent in Wholesale

Women in Wholesale is supported by:

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