The Women in Business Summit, which takes place on 21 November at Leeds United, will hear from TV/Radio Host & Public Speaker, Stephanie Hirst; CEO of the Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson; Managing Director of Twinkles Nurseries, Jill Johnson; and Head of Enterprise & Community Finance, Natwest Bank, Julie Baker plus others. The Summit has become the key event for female leaders and business women since its inception four years ago and celebrates the success of women across all sectors and professions and the drivers that power them on.

Sophie Jones from Channel 4 will address the many benefits that the region offers and the reasons Channel 4 decided to move its headquarters to Leeds.  Sophie, who is Head of Corporate Relations at the station, sits on Channel 4’s Diversity Task Force and is keen to support female business leaders in the county where the new headquarters sit.

Founder, Paula Grizzard said: “The role of business in an ever-changing landscape is evolving rapidly. The demise of the traditional high-street in favour of online shopping, the power of digital transformation and uncertain business and political environment makes the need to survive but also thrive an imperative.

“Our panel of speakers will share how their businesses are staying one step ahead in the survival game and what steps they take to gain a competitive edge against increasing competition.”

The aim of the event is to inspire by sharing the experiences of senior women, showcase local businesses at the exhibition, take part in two fun and informative workshops, network and enjoy a fabulous two-course sit-down lunch and a glass of fizz.

Paula Grizzard added: “If you are a woman in business, come and meet both national and international brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Morrisons, Channel 4, Nat West and Accenture, as well as local businesses and charities who have great stories to tell and tips to take away.”

Recent Government reports have indicated that the Government’s target of building 300,000 new homes to 2020 will not be met without modular building. A suggestion from a recent House of Lords debate said that pressure should be put on social housing bodies to stipulate the use of off-site manufacturing and for greater understanding more generally of the speed and efficiency of precision – engineered offsite homes. Women in Property sponsor, Ilke Homes with their factory in Knaresborough is part of the drive to design and build modular homes which are attractive, affordable and high quality.

Ilke can install up to six homes per day, delivering in less than half the time of traditionally built houses. With their partners, Ilke Homes have a goal of delivering 2,000 precision built homes a year within two years to help tackle the UK’s chronic housing crisis.

Women in Property offers the chance for professionals to experience the future of housebuilding and understand about its financing .The UK construction industry is facing significant skills shortages.

Builders of modular homes are not reliant on hard to find construction skills, you will visit the factory which has an ambition to create over 800 new manufacturing jobs, be presented with a clear picture of the opportunities within the current housing market, and of course network with other professionals from across the property sector.

Women In Business Network Yorkshire brings you the next in our sector specific events, hosted by the Employment team at Chadwick Lawrence. As well as lots of opportunity to network with like minded business women, you will hear from two speakers focussing on different aspects of Employment.

Our hosts Chadwick Lawrence will be giving their view on the possible impact of Brexit on employment law when we finally leave the EU. Questions that will be explored include;

• What will change around discrimination, working time regulations, health and safety & parental leave rights, which were so heavily shaped during the time the UK has been part of the EU
• Will the UK Government feel obliged to repeal or change laws that have been unpopular with employers, possibly irking the wrath of Trade Unions and of course what about Immigration?
• What are likely changes that will affect who we can recruit from outside the UK and what checks will need to be made?
• Will there be immediate skills shortages and if so, what should be done to ensure business continues to deliver?

Our guest presenter Jane Bytheway will then present her tips and tools to manage challenging conversations – how to handle them, and how to find the gifts that lie within.

Have you ever:

• Steered clear of someone in order to avoid saying something you’ll regret?
• Put off a conversation that needs to be had?
• Wasted time and energy stewing over a conversation and how to have it?

In a lively and thought-provoking session Jane Bytheway will share tips on the art of challenging conversations – and how to discover the gifts that are revealed when you find the courage to have them.

This event is for anyone working, consulting and advising in this arena. Hear from Employment Law experts, gain top tips of how to deal with any conflict at work, enjoy light refreshments and of course network

Making money and doing good: no longer an oxymoron 

Gone are the days when making money and doing good were mutually exclusive. Today it is possible to have a great investment return while making a positive contribution to society. Responsible Investment (RI) has been around for many years with activity sky-rocketing in the last few, with global assets of around £25 trillion now being managed to RI principles. Drivers underpinning both the interest and the investment case are strong, including changing consumer preference, technology, media and regulation. Rarely a day goes past when our headlines are not filled with sustainability challenges, be that climate change or plastics, as well as sustainability solutions, such as energy, automation and health technology. People are now recognising that their money can do so much more. 

Interest is coming from many directions. A recent Morgan Stanley study found that three quarters of private investors were interested in sustainable investing, especially amongst millennials. Female investors have also been leading the charge, a trend that has been going hand-in-hand with female financial independence. Today the world’s largest asset manager, Blackrock, has announced its intention to turn into a global leader in sustainable and responsible investing, believing that the evidence has moved us from a ‘why’ to a ‘why not’ moment.

She Business invites you to our the latest event, sponsored by Louise Woollard Financial.  Come and hear from Emma Hunt, Head of Responsible Investing at St. James’s Place Wealth Management, and Michelle Marks, Coral Mountain Sustainability Programmes for business.  Expect a great mix of “need to know”, great refreshments and of course lots of networking. 

The event is open to all female leaders and businesses in the financial and associated sectors.

Format

• 9.00 Arrival & registration with refreshments
• 10.00 Welcome and presentations
• 11.00 Q&A
• 11.15 Networking