WiW - FWD

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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Please take note of the key 2022 events:

WiW Speed Mentoring – A fantastic day of learning and networking took place in April
WiW Annual Conference – September 22nd at 1 Wimpole Street, London W1G 0AE. Our annual get together in a state-of-the-art venue.
WiW Breakfast Briefing sessions – free online events focused on specialist topics. The next one is on May 19.
NEW WiW Wellness Group – a free quarterly online session for team leaders and mental health first aiders to share best practice. Contact amanda.casey@filshill.co.uk for 2022 dates.

Breakfast Briefings

Women in Wholesale has launched one-hour long morning briefing sessions on specialist topics to help members to stay mentally motivated and connected.

The next session, Being the Best You, is on May 19th at 9.30am

Managing perimenopause

with Sarah Robb, Premier Foods

Having worked in wholesale for more than 20 years as a successful senior marketeer, parent and cycling enthusiast, Sarah is a great inspiration to others.

A member of the British Cycling Breeze Leaders, which helps to get more women onto bikes, Sarah is a true ally to women both at home and work.In this session, she will reveal how she balances work, life and all the challenges it brings – including going through peri-menopause, the transitional time around menopause – to be a successful senior leader in a male-dominated space.

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.

Conference October 7 2021

ONWARDS! Building Better People and Teams

Watch the presentations from October’s conference here

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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