The Pink Shoe Club 2008

Helene Martin Gee, Founder of The Pink Shoe Club says: “Enterprise Week creates an excellent platform for us as entrepreneurs to promote entrepreneurship as a viable career option for young people, and for budding entrepreneurs at any life stage. It also provides a focus for us to engage with a wide variety of people towards one shared goal – to contribute to the greater success of the UK economy, particularly when this enhances the climate for enterprising women. “

To celebrate Enterprise Week 2008, The Pink Shoe Club, a network of successful and influential female entrepreneurs, held ten simultaneous afternoon tea discussions around the country which culminated in an Annual Enterprise Debate at the House of Commons. The teas were attended by an eclectic mix of 100 women and girls: entrepreneurs; bankers; professionals; academics; politicians; civil servants; advisers; trainers; charities; trade bodies; and ‘intrapreneurs’ (enterprising people in the workplace).

These high profile teas provided the opportunity to link with leading female entrepreneurs, key professionals and thought leaders, to explore practical solutions to improve business success and increase business start-ups. Particular emphasis was placed on achieving participation from women from a diverse range of cultures and ages. The Pink Shoe Club also partnered with the PRIME initiative and The Experience Corps to ensure greater participation from women over 50.

The day was finished off with the Annual Enterprise event at the House of Commons followed by a House of Lords reception with food provided by local producers. Alongside female icons of UK enterprise – such as multi award-winning entrepreneur Jessica Huie, broadcaster Sharon Doughty, and Asian entrepreneur of the year, Sheetal Mehta – delegates shared inspiring ideas and philosophies with the aim of encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.

Delegates also debated the effect of the current economic climate on globalisation, concluding that businesses should continue to think globally but not at the expense of local trends. The fact that the women who attended were very diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, political preferences and professional background, helped make for a balanced debate with practical solutions.

Students were integral to the event helping to plan and organise the teas, as well as frame the debate topics, themes and questions. Joelle, a student intern member said at the event ‘I feel empowered to shape my life, embrace opportunities, enjoy economic prosperity and engage in philanthropy… the atmosphere…contributes to a sense of achievement and the desire to be successful.’

Delegate, Ella Aboutboul from visionmadevisible.com, said: ‘Thank you for organising a beautiful, stimulating and nourishing event. The participants in my group wanted to stay on and on and share many more experiences. It is obvious that women need such a meeting space.’

Find out more about the Pink Shoe Club here: http://www.pinkshoeclub.com/

The Pink Shoe Club ran a similar event in 2007. Check it out here: