CharityKaty Simister Charity Manager | Aiming Higher for the Disabled Community
One of the founders of a charity for disabled children. In 2011 I left a secure, well paid pensionable position with the Local Authority because I felt so passionate about helping families with disabled children. I am a qualified Social worker and Practice Educator, single mother to two amazing children and also a Director of the Sandcastle Waterpark. My philosophy is we are here to give, not to take. Maria Hanson MBE | The Maria Hanson Foundation
Set up me&dee in 2006 as a treat charity, helping 15 people a year showing how small low cost treats given to have huge impact can matter, even when someone doesn’t have long to live. Forms are unique in being just 2 pages with no tick boxes and no justification needed to alleviate as much stress as possible. These included arranging weddings in hospices with a few days, parties in hospices within a few days, photographic shoots to make memories, meeting celebrities but all done on a personal basis. Now changed also to having 4 caravans in Mablethorpe. Holidays cost just £200 each. Arranged personally to give the best experience when time together is short and precious. One van for respite and bereavement, two for families on a Haven site and one for our seriously injured military and those with PTSD. MBE awarded for helping over 1,300 families in 8 years through my own adversity (18 rounds of surgery, 10 lifesaving. On slow release morphine and range of drugs to cope with pain and effects of the damage and having no bowel and bladder – two stoma bags). From 15 families a year to 200 – 250 families a year now. Just one member of staff and less than 5% of fundraising into admin. 7 days a week work, perseverance, following my ethos through the growth. Showing supporters exactly where their fundraising goes. Maintaining a corporate but warm environment with the business and charity for all that use and support it. |
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Terry King OBE | Chapter 3
Terry - wife, mother and grandma. She is also a social entrepreneur, a professional project manager, and the Operations Director of Chapter 3. The eldest of 6 children she has been organising people since she was 2!
Terry joined the Department for Social Security (now the DWP) in a clerical role and moved through the ranks to the senior civil service managing budgets up to £250million, leading high performing teams often in excess of 100 individuals and delivering a number of mission critical projects. For example implementing Pension Credit to improve pensioner’s incomes , setting up an internal trading arm for shared services like HR and finance and centralising the administration of all Civil Service Pensions.
She was a leading government project reviewer, bringing her project management skills to bear when looking at other large departmental projects. In 2002 Terry was awarded the OBE for her work in helping pensioners and for coaching and supporting women.
Since leaving the Civil Service in 2012 Terry has worked in the charitable sector, The Prince’s Trust and The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise before setting up Chapter3 Enterprise CIC, an organisation dedicated to supporting the economically inactive 50+ lead more fulfilling lives, with 2 friends.
Terry - wife, mother and grandma. She is also a social entrepreneur, a professional project manager, and the Operations Director of Chapter 3. The eldest of 6 children she has been organising people since she was 2!
Terry joined the Department for Social Security (now the DWP) in a clerical role and moved through the ranks to the senior civil service managing budgets up to £250million, leading high performing teams often in excess of 100 individuals and delivering a number of mission critical projects. For example implementing Pension Credit to improve pensioner’s incomes , setting up an internal trading arm for shared services like HR and finance and centralising the administration of all Civil Service Pensions.
She was a leading government project reviewer, bringing her project management skills to bear when looking at other large departmental projects. In 2002 Terry was awarded the OBE for her work in helping pensioners and for coaching and supporting women.
Since leaving the Civil Service in 2012 Terry has worked in the charitable sector, The Prince’s Trust and The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise before setting up Chapter3 Enterprise CIC, an organisation dedicated to supporting the economically inactive 50+ lead more fulfilling lives, with 2 friends.
Construction
Ann Clarke | Joint Managing Director | Claremont Group Interiors
Ann’s expertise spans commercial interior design and fit-out, with a particular focus on and passion for workplace consultancy and design. With over 30 years in the industry and having battled through a period when it was unusual to find women on construction sites, Ann feels strongly that it is important to encourage women to maximize their potential to develop careers in the design and construction field. Ann assumed the position of joint managing director at Claremont Group Interiors in 2012, and was part of the team that led the management buy-out of the firms’ founders in 1996. She is one of Claremont’s largest shareholders, was instrumental in the firm’s pursuit of ISO accreditation and champions creativity and innovation across the firm’s 90-strong team. |
Education |
John Callaghan | Principal | Solihull College
John is currently Principal at Solihull College having previously been Principal at North East Worcestershire College where he has held the position since 2010. Previously he was Deputy Principal at Derby College for six years. John started his career as a software specialist with Birmingham City Council, worked at the Learning Skills Council (LSC) and for RSM Tenon & KPMG, as well as having senior posts at Tamworth & Lichfield College. Along with his duties as Principal, John plays an active role within local business; he is a Board member of the Solihull Strategic Partnership Board, Solihull Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Employment and Skills Boards for Solihull. He is also Chair of the national Further Education Funding Advisory Group and serves on a local School Trust. |
Electronics
Sarah Joyce | Vice President | EMEA
Founded in 1964, Electrosonic is a worldwide audio-visual solutions company with extensive experience in designing, project managing, engineering and maintaining audio-visual systems and products. In September 2012, Sarah was promoted to Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, where she is responsible for the growth, strategic direction and profitability of this region. Sarah serves on the Electrosonic Executive Board and is a company director. Sarah was also appointed to the Infocomm Board of Directors in December 2012 for a 2 year term. Sarah’s extensive experience in sales and marketing, HR, account management and service within the audio-visual industry, equips her to grow Electrosonic’s three core markets, Entertainment, Corporate and Control Rooms. Sarah re-joined Electrosonic in April 2010 as Sales Director, following the strategic acquisition of DRV, an audio-visual systems integration and service company. Sarah led the integration of the Electrosonic and DRV business operations and then introduced a global corporate account management programme. |
Entrepreneur
Jane Kenyon | Well Heeled Divas
Jane is a serial entrepreneur, motivational coach and speaker, writer/blogger and youth advocate. Her passion for female empowerment is contagious and she is the Founder of 2 aspirational brands set up in 2007 to inspire women to step up and shine via workshops, coaching and peer groups and a social enterprise established in 2010 on a mission to raise the aspirations of teenage girls in the UK by introducing them to Big Sister role models and delivering intervention programmes in schools to embed confidence, self belief and emotional resilience. |
Food & Drink
Melissa Burton | managing Director | Goody Good Stuff
Melissa started FTF Sweets as an investor and took the managing directorship role in 2010 when she successfully developed and launched the Goody Good Stuff Sweets brand. Melissa grew the GGS brand to over 20000 PODs in under 27 months making it one of the fastest growing consumer brands in the WORLD.
Melissa was responsible for the succesful sale of Goody Good Stuff to the Swedish Confectionery Giant – Cloetta PLC – making it the youngest brand to ever be sold in the UK Food & Drink market. She continues to act as Director of the Brand within the group and controls the UK and US market operations.
Melissa started FTF Sweets as an investor and took the managing directorship role in 2010 when she successfully developed and launched the Goody Good Stuff Sweets brand. Melissa grew the GGS brand to over 20000 PODs in under 27 months making it one of the fastest growing consumer brands in the WORLD.
Melissa was responsible for the succesful sale of Goody Good Stuff to the Swedish Confectionery Giant – Cloetta PLC – making it the youngest brand to ever be sold in the UK Food & Drink market. She continues to act as Director of the Brand within the group and controls the UK and US market operations.
Amanda Brooks | Director | Innovate UK
Amanda Brooks has been the Director of Innovation since September 2013. Her responsibilities include creating a good environment for innovation and supporting the innovation ecosystem, for example through the Technology Strategy Board. Previously Amanda led on industrial strategy and growth policy for two years, was Deputy High Commissioner and Director of Trade and Investment in Singapore for four years, and led the UK's effort on multilateral and regional trade negotiations for three years. Amanda also chairs a small start-up charity, providing the patient voice in local healthcare. She has an MBA from Imperial College.
Amanda Brooks has been the Director of Innovation since September 2013. Her responsibilities include creating a good environment for innovation and supporting the innovation ecosystem, for example through the Technology Strategy Board. Previously Amanda led on industrial strategy and growth policy for two years, was Deputy High Commissioner and Director of Trade and Investment in Singapore for four years, and led the UK's effort on multilateral and regional trade negotiations for three years. Amanda also chairs a small start-up charity, providing the patient voice in local healthcare. She has an MBA from Imperial College.
Anne Milton | Government Whip
Anne trained as a nurse and worked for the NHS for 25 years. She was a Steward for the Royal College of Nursing, was a borough councillor for 5 years in Reigate, was Conservative Group Leader and went into politics because she felt that women like her were not well represented. She won the seat of Guildford in 2005 by 347 votes and was re-elected in 2010 by a majority of 7,782. Anne was appointed to: the Health Select Committee in 2005; Shadow Minister for Tourism, Gambling and Licensing in 2006; Shadow Minister for Health in 2007; Minister for Public Health in the new coalition government in 2010; Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury)2012; Vice Chamberlain of Her Majesty’s Household in 2014.
Anne trained as a nurse and worked for the NHS for 25 years. She was a Steward for the Royal College of Nursing, was a borough councillor for 5 years in Reigate, was Conservative Group Leader and went into politics because she felt that women like her were not well represented. She won the seat of Guildford in 2005 by 347 votes and was re-elected in 2010 by a majority of 7,782. Anne was appointed to: the Health Select Committee in 2005; Shadow Minister for Tourism, Gambling and Licensing in 2006; Shadow Minister for Health in 2007; Minister for Public Health in the new coalition government in 2010; Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury)2012; Vice Chamberlain of Her Majesty’s Household in 2014.
Catherine McKinnell | Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne North
Catherine McKinnell was first elected as the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North in May 2010. She currently holds the position of Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, having previously been Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury; Shadow Minister for Children & Young Families; and Shadow Solicitor General.
Before being elected to Parliament, Catherine worked as an employment lawyer for a large firm based in Newcastle. She studied Politics and History at Edinburgh University, and then Law at Northumbria University.
Catherine McKinnell was first elected as the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North in May 2010. She currently holds the position of Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, having previously been Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury; Shadow Minister for Children & Young Families; and Shadow Solicitor General.
Before being elected to Parliament, Catherine worked as an employment lawyer for a large firm based in Newcastle. She studied Politics and History at Edinburgh University, and then Law at Northumbria University.
Dr Lesley Thompson | Director | Programmes EPSRC
Dr Lesley Thompson is Director Programmes at EPSRC. EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
Lesley is responsible for the efficient and effective development of the EPSRC programme, commissioning around £740m of new activity each year and managing a portfolio of over £2bn.
Lesley develops and maintains the programme in line with EPSRC’s mission, strategic plan and delivery plan whilst incorporating EPSRC Council’s direction and ensuring integration of all stakeholder perspectives. She is also responsible for the principles of peer review.
In addition Lesley is responsible for the strategic interactions of EPSRC with the research and user base.
In her 25 years of working in the Research Councils, Lesley has worked extensively with a wide breadth of research and user communities and with colleagues across RCUK.
Dr Lesley Thompson is Director Programmes at EPSRC. EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
Lesley is responsible for the efficient and effective development of the EPSRC programme, commissioning around £740m of new activity each year and managing a portfolio of over £2bn.
Lesley develops and maintains the programme in line with EPSRC’s mission, strategic plan and delivery plan whilst incorporating EPSRC Council’s direction and ensuring integration of all stakeholder perspectives. She is also responsible for the principles of peer review.
In addition Lesley is responsible for the strategic interactions of EPSRC with the research and user base.
In her 25 years of working in the Research Councils, Lesley has worked extensively with a wide breadth of research and user communities and with colleagues across RCUK.
http://www.role.uk.com/ambassador-directory.html#FionaCastela
Fiona Castela
Fiona is a confident and proactive Senior Manager with extensive experience gained managing numerous transnational EU projects within the public and private sectors. Along with her complex project management expertise she has an in-depth knowledge of corporate business and small business development structures, grant funding, EU methodology and programmes. Generated 13M Euros of grants to NW companies.
Below are a selection of networking abilities and supporting skills that underpin her success in Grant, Tenders and Investment plan writing,
• Identify and progress new business opportunities within challenging trading conditions.
• Influence and persuade managers, business owners and government to adopt change.
• Promote and facilitate partnerships between business, regional & local authorities and higher education institutes on an international basis.
• High degree of strategic knowledge of North West landscape and myriad public sector funded offers. Develop clear vision and planning goals against a wide range of KPIs.
• Build an effective strong delivery team, via communication and diplomacy.
• Manage financial reporting, create annual budgets, deliver financial targets, monitor impact and achievement against qualitative and quantitative targets under robust internal and external control.
• Appraise, evaluate and recommend action on high risk projects. Manages COSME, Horizon 2020, ERDF and ESF complex European funding.
Fiona is a confident and proactive Senior Manager with extensive experience gained managing numerous transnational EU projects within the public and private sectors. Along with her complex project management expertise she has an in-depth knowledge of corporate business and small business development structures, grant funding, EU methodology and programmes. Generated 13M Euros of grants to NW companies.
Below are a selection of networking abilities and supporting skills that underpin her success in Grant, Tenders and Investment plan writing,
• Identify and progress new business opportunities within challenging trading conditions.
• Influence and persuade managers, business owners and government to adopt change.
• Promote and facilitate partnerships between business, regional & local authorities and higher education institutes on an international basis.
• High degree of strategic knowledge of North West landscape and myriad public sector funded offers. Develop clear vision and planning goals against a wide range of KPIs.
• Build an effective strong delivery team, via communication and diplomacy.
• Manage financial reporting, create annual budgets, deliver financial targets, monitor impact and achievement against qualitative and quantitative targets under robust internal and external control.
• Appraise, evaluate and recommend action on high risk projects. Manages COSME, Horizon 2020, ERDF and ESF complex European funding.
Healthcare
Fiona Williams | Director of Operations | Bluebird Care
Fiona is the director of operations for the largest single brand homecare and support services provider with over 200 office locations across the UK and Republic of Ireland. She has a real passion for care having worked in the sector for 25 years. Fiona ensures that people receive the support they deserve and believes that people who work in the sector should enjoy professional, rewarding careers. Fiona understands the challenges in the sector, caring immensely about its future and will continue to drive improvement, by fostering and further developing her relationships with sector regulators, politicians, the media and the public. Fiona’s goal is to address the challenges for the social care sector head on. Her belief is that effective leadership, underpinned by the right personal values, and organisational culture are key requirements to achieving business and service excellence. Liz Cousins | Private Hospital Director | Spire Fylde Coast Hospital
Liz has a successful track record in improving business performance through combining a high degree of commercial awareness and delivering demanding financial objectives. Her experience includes a new hospital start up in a foreign environment, contract negotiation, change management, cost control and introduction of new patient services. Liz’s understanding of high level management and corporate practices, along with her forward thinking business acumen, allow her to interact with and appreciate the issues that management face in all large industries. Michelle Wiseman | The Nicky Alliance Centre
Michelle is the CEO of Manchester Jewish Community Care which runs the Nicky Alliance Centre based in Crumpsall Manchester which provides day care and ancillary services for older members of the Jewish Community. Michelle then joined Scope for a short while before working for Manchester Jewish Federation, firstly for the Carers Project and then as fundraiser. Michelle was then recruited by a fundraising consultancy where she qualified as a Member of the Institute of Fundraising Managers before joining the Council of Manchester Jewish Community Care as a fundraising advisor. Michelle joined the staff as Nicky Alliance Day Centre Director Of Services in March 2003 and took over as Chief Executive in October 2004. |
Hotel / Leisure
Serena Jayne Walters | General Manager | Hallmark Hotels
Serena is naturally self-driven and motivated person. She is results driven; influenced by an abundance of enthusiasm and has a passion for business. Having worked within the Hotel Industry for 20 Years, she has gained an incredible understanding of the meaning “Team Work”; and other people’s success in their role is very important to her. The skills she has learnt during the time within the Hotel Industry are invaluable; as she has learnt to juggle and respond immediately to guest’s expectations. Recently appointed General Manager at the Hallmark Hotel (Hull), she is currently embracing the new challenge; and further utilising her people skills to enhance her the experience of her team and guests. |
HR / Recruitment
Ana Christie | Chief Executive | Sussex Enterprise
Ana Christie has substantial business experience both in the UK and internationally. Her career began in aviation working both at Gatwick and Heathrow airports before progressing into hospitality for Marriott and Whitbread hotels, and subsequently managing the London Aquarium. Ana was executive vice president of an executive recruitment and human resources consultancy in the Philippines before working for the British Deputy High Commission in India in entry clearance (visas and immigration). On her return to Britain, Ana joined the pharmaceutical industry managing a team of project managers. Ana advanced her career by joining Sussex Chamber of Commerce in May 2014 as Chief Executive. Yvonne Day | Human Resources Director (UK) | GDF SUEZ
With an Engineering background from the RAF Yvonne joined Cofely Fabricom GDF SUEZ UK in 2005. Responsibilities include all aspects of Human Resources for the business in the UK. Attaining a Master’s Degree and Chartered Manager and Fellow of the CMI, as well as Chartered Administrative Manager of the IAM she has over 25 years HR experience, specialising in industrial relations, training and development together with management within the public and private sectors of industry. Yvonne sits on the Board of CATCH (Competence Assessment and Training Centre Humber) as HR Director, lead HR for the UK Forum of GDF SUEZ. ManufacturingEmma Sheldon, Group Marketing Director, Vernacare
Emma Sheldon, Group Marketing Director, leads the UK manufacturing company's marketing activities across 50 countries and six continents. She has also headed up Vernacare's international innovation team, working with healthcare providers to develop next generation infection prevention products, such as the Queen's award winning disposable wash bowl, and VernaFem female urinal. Emma has spent her 20 year career building business internationally and leading cross functional teams in marketing, sales and new product development. Her experience stretches across the healthcare, IT, and manufacturing sectors, including senior roles at medical products giant Chiesi, Jontek and Abbot Laboratories. She is a professional Coach and member of the Institute of Directors. Frances Austin FCIOB | Managing Director | Sovereign Group
Frances joined Sovereign Group, in 1997 as Production Planner quickly moving into Commercial Planning. She has a background rooted in customer service, progressing through the business to become Head of Contract Services. She was invited on to the Board in May 2007 as Contracts Director, and after a MBO is now one of the major shareholders and Managing Director of a business that turns over £22 million. Irene Keal | Director | Sylvester Keal
Irene is the epitome of the modern business woman and her versatility is second to none. Her formative 'credits' included being a hairdresser and taking the significant plunge of opening her own dance school. Without a corporate background, the fact that she is now an award-winning business director in the catering sector is eloquent proof of supreme dedication and much hard work. She has combined everything with the significant challenge of motherhood too. Such diversity has always been at the heart of her success. Indeed, she develops others through selfless care and an unerring understanding of different values and beliefs'. |
Panna Chauhan | Business Development Manager | British Medical Association
Panna Chauhan grew up in North West England in a family with strong Indian values. Both her parents were born in East Africa and independently forced to leave due to the nationalisation of the country. They lost everything and started life in the UK from scratch. As a result the core values of being responsible for our lives and creating communities has continued to inspire her professionally. Growing up she resisted the traditional path of becoming a doctor, dentist or accountant and chose to do French and European Studies instead, which led her to passion of working with people in Sales and Account Management. Having worked on a team where she was amongst the few females as well as the only Asian woman, she discovered that her mix of East and West values, combined with her femininity proved to serve not hinder her success. Although this presented challenges at times, it struck her that there was a wider cause at hand to champion as levels of diversity still remains invisible in British society. Panna now spends her time empowering women to sell more effectively as well taking a stand for supporting more Asian Women to start and grow their businesses. Karen Lambert | Owner | Happy Creative
Karen is truly the personification of her brand. Having created the award-winning marketing agency Happy Creative in 2005 she has also launched several other businesses in the ecommerce sector. Karen has grown Happy from start up to a highly respected B2B agency employing 10 people and delivering marketing campaigns for companies across the country and internationally. A marketer by trade with over 25 years experience with local, national and international marketing campaigns, she is a consummate business woman. A member of the Academy for Chief Executives, Karen is a very attentive mentor passionate about people and creating great organisation culture. Nora Senior | Executive Chair, UK Regions & Ireland, Weber Shandwick | President - British Chambers of Commerce | Chair - Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Nora Senior is Executive Chair UK Regions and Ireland of global public relations and public affairs consultancy, Weber Shandwick. She has over 24 years’ experience of agency, specialising in corporate, public sector and government communications and crisis management, advising both FTSE 100 organisations as well as start-up companies. Her remit covers the strategic development and profitability of Weber Shandwick’s offices in UK regions and Europe as part of the company’s network of 350 offices worldwide. Weber Shandwick is headquartered in London and New York. She manages day-to-day coordination of a number of international accounts, building brands and market share via UK, North America, Middle East and Pan-Asia. She has worked with brands such as Coca Cola; Microsoft; Oracle; RBS; Lloyds; Siemens; Glenmorangie; Whyte and Mackay; Invitrogen; Bausch + Lomb; Deutsche Bahn; Shell; Viking Energy; Land Securities and Grosvenor. Previous positions include Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi (North) and Managing Director of PR Centre, a company she founded as a start up and merged into Weber Shandwick in 1998. She is part of the Regional Advisory Group to the London Stock Exchange and has held several non-executive positions with organisations such as the Scottish Council Development and Industry, the National Trust, Limelight and other charities. She is currently holds the elected post of President of British Chambers of Commerce and Chair of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the first time these positions have ever been held simultaneously A former Scottish Businesswoman of the Year, she has been recognised with a number of achievement awards including: Outstanding Personal Achievement at the UK Best Business Awards; International Stevie Award for EMEA Best Communications Executive ; First Woman of Media 2013. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Ruth Connor | Chief Executive | Marketing Lancashire
After leaving UCLan with a degree in French, Italian and European Business, Ruth began her career with the Rank Group where she held various positions before the company was acquired by Bourne Leisure in 2000 which incorporated the Butlins, Haven, Warner and Haven Europe brands. Ruth was on the Board of the Butlins business as Sales and Marketing Director and was part of the team who were responsible for making the business profitable for the first time in 5 years. Ruth took up the position of Sales and Marketing Director for the Gold Medal Travel Group in Preston which was the largest scheduled flight sales operator in the UK to the US, the Middle East, Australia and the far East with a £400m turnover. At Gold Medal, Ruth was instrumental in reshaping the business, turning it into a profitable concern and improving its value which, in turn, resulted in the company being successfully sold to Thomas Cook in December 2009. Ruth joined Shearings Holidays in 2010 as Managing Director of the £100m holidays’ business where she was responsible for growing the worldwide holidays business of cruise, air and coach as well as strengthening its UK tours operation. Ruth was appointed to her new role of Chief Executive of the newly formed Marketing Lancashire organisation in August 2012. |
Media
Anne Davies | Managing Director | Anne Davies TV
Anne Davies is the main anchor for the BBC in the East Midlands. Anne began her career in the Television Industry behind the scenes for a number of BBC current affairs programmes, namely Panorama, Question Time and The Money Programme. After local radio in the East Midlands, Anne began her TV presenting at Central working on the news and a brand new ITV daytime health and beauty show. From there the bright lights of London beckoned and she moved on to front the first broadcast of GMTV alongside Eamonn Holmes. After eight years of early mornings Anne returned to the BBC for East Midlands Today and has worked there ever since. Her contributions have gained several Royal Television Society awards including Best Onscreen Personality 2012. Outside work, Anne is patron for a number of charities, has a passion for fashion and is baking mad! |
Ministry of Defence
Lieutenant Colonel Rosie Stone | Head of Civil Engagement – 42nd INFANTRY BRIGADE & HQ NORTH WEST
Lieutenant Colonel Rosie Stone is a Strategic Communications and PR specialist who began her military career in 1985 as an officer cadet with Queen’s University Officers’ Training Corps, Belfast. On completion of a BSc Hons Degree in Geography she attended Sandhurst Military Academy and was commissioned into the Regular Army in 1990.
Lieutenant Colonel Rosie Stone is a Strategic Communications and PR specialist who began her military career in 1985 as an officer cadet with Queen’s University Officers’ Training Corps, Belfast. On completion of a BSc Hons Degree in Geography she attended Sandhurst Military Academy and was commissioned into the Regular Army in 1990.
Parliament |
Julie Cooper | MP
Julie was elected to Burnley Borough Council. She has served on the Council for 11 years, holding various positions of responsibility including Chair of Environment and Housing, Chair of the East Lancs Health and Well Being Partnership and Leader of the Council. During her time as Council Leader Burnley was officially recognised as the most enterprising town in the UK. She was also very proud to introduce the Living Wage to Burnley Council. She is a dedicated member of the Labour Party and served as Campaign Co-ordinator from 2009-2015. During this time she led Burnley Labour to victory in local, county and national elections. In May 2015 Julie was elected to be Member of Parliament for Burnley. Julie Mary Robinson | Lawyer | Parliamentary Candidate
Mary entered politics after a career in business. Having trained in accountancy, she returned to education to study for a law degree while her elder two children were young. Working with her husband, Stephen, in a successful accountancy practice in Preston gave her a real understanding of the issues and challenges facing businesses in the North West. Having entered local politics, Mary served as a Borough Councillor in South Ribble before being selected as the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheadle. With a strong community focus Mary has been a primary school governor and served as a leader in the Scouts. She has four children and knows from experience what it’s like to juggle work and family commitments. Ruth Henig | Baroness Henig
Ruth Henig enjoyed a twin track career in higher education and in local government. She spent over 30 years at Lancaster university, starting as a lecturer in modern history and rising to become Dean of Arts and Humanities before taking early retirement in 2002. She served for 24 years as a Lancashire County Councillor, chairing several committees before taking over as chair of the police authority, a position she held for 16 years. She was also a magistrate on the Lancaster bench, chair of the Board of the Duke`s Theatre, Lancaster, and chair of the Adult Education College. Nationally, Ruth chaired the Association of Police Authorities for 8 years and then became the chair of the Security Industry Authority from 2007 - 13, the regulatory body for the private security industry. She was awarded a CBE in 2000 and appointed to the House of Lords in 2004. |
Policy & Research
Kate Shoesmith | Head of Policy & Public Affairs | Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)
Kate is responsible for policy, stakeholder & membership engagement and influencing for the organisation. The REC is the professional body for the UK’s recruitment industry, which last year helped over 600,000 people find a new permanent job and on any given day, had 1.1 million agency workers out on assignment. The REC is a leading voice for employment and Kate works on their key campaigns for Youth Employment, the value of Flexible Working, Diversity and Women on Boards.
Prior to joining REC, Kate was Head of Policy & Corporate Affairs at City & Guilds. Kate was responsible for policy and political engagement on issues affecting skills development.
Kate has worked in policy and research for over a decade in areas such as equality & diversity, qualifications development and employer engagement. She has been an adviser on a number of external forums, including as a member of Business in the Community’s Workplace Skills Advisory Group, CIPD’s Learning to Work group and to the UNESCO Education for All Global Monitoring Report in 2012.
Kate is responsible for policy, stakeholder & membership engagement and influencing for the organisation. The REC is the professional body for the UK’s recruitment industry, which last year helped over 600,000 people find a new permanent job and on any given day, had 1.1 million agency workers out on assignment. The REC is a leading voice for employment and Kate works on their key campaigns for Youth Employment, the value of Flexible Working, Diversity and Women on Boards.
Prior to joining REC, Kate was Head of Policy & Corporate Affairs at City & Guilds. Kate was responsible for policy and political engagement on issues affecting skills development.
Kate has worked in policy and research for over a decade in areas such as equality & diversity, qualifications development and employer engagement. She has been an adviser on a number of external forums, including as a member of Business in the Community’s Workplace Skills Advisory Group, CIPD’s Learning to Work group and to the UNESCO Education for All Global Monitoring Report in 2012.
Professional Services |
Andy Grimbly | Office Senior Partner, PwC Norwich.
Specialising in the full range of financial advice to all types of business. Particular specialism in owner managed businesses looking after the financial affairs of and acting as a sounding board for entrepreneurs and family businesses. Ranging across personal and corporate tax as well as accounting and regulations along with general business advice. We are currently helping many private clients manage their personal tax exposures as well as grow their business through advice and contacts. Claire Handby | Director | Deloitte.
At 15, Claire was placed on 2 weeks work experience with a scaffolding company. She had never felt very academic and enjoyed the work experience so much she decided to choose a vocational course in construction rather than take ‘A’ levels. Once on the course, she realised how few women were going into construction. At 18, she really wanted to continue her construction studies at university but wasn’t sure she was good enough. She applied anyway, secured a place at Northumbria University and during her time there had a placement year in London. She won Student of the year for her placement year which really boosted her confidence and she was then offered a graduate placement working on the Millennium Dome with flagship contractor Laings. She was actually offered 5 jobs and took this one. Claire is now a Director at Deloitte with an extensive range of 'big4' consulting knowledge relating to Portfolio, Programme, Project and Assurance Management. Prior to joining Deloitte, she spent eighteen years in both the public and private sector in Real Estate, Transport, Infrastructure, Construction, Local Government, Health, Finance and Utilities. Before Deloitte, Claire was at E&Y for 8 years, based in their Global Advisory practice. Working at Directorship level, she managed and delivered major programme and project transformation requirements. Claire’s early years in construction were spent working for Mace Group, Laing O'Rourke and McCarthy & Stone (Dev) Ltd. She is a Chartered Construction Manager with the Chartered Institute of Building. Claire has recently been nominated for 2 awards: Northern Power Woman ‘Person with Purpose’ and the International Women’s Day Award ‘Ground Breaker and Outstanding Mentor,’ both nominations recognising her contribution to Infrastructure. Debbie Mullen | Head of Yorkshire | Barclay's Bank.
Debbie is Head of Large Corporate & Key Clients for Corporate Banking across Yorkshire and responsible for a team of Relationship Directors and Managers supporting clients across a range of industry sectors from offices in Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, Bradford and Harrogate. She has over 30 years banking experience gained across roles in risk management, relationship management and, more recently, acquisition finance where she headed up the Debit Finance team across the North of England. Francis Martin, FCA MBA BSSc FIBC | Partner | BDO Northern Ireland
Francis Martin is a Partner in BDO Northern Ireland, part of BDO International, the world’s fifth largest accountancy network with more than 1,350 offices in over 150 countries with 60,000 staff. A First Class Master in Business Administration, a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Business Consulting, Francis is recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s leading Business Advisers. He is a highly experienced Corporate Finance and Strategy Adviser with expertise across a wide range of sectors. Francis is immediate past President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and is currently the Vice President of the British Chambers of Commerce. He is a past Chairman of the Institute of Business Consultancy in Northern Ireland. He is also a former Member of the Board of Governors of Wellington College and is the current Chairman of Lagan College, Northern Ireland’s first integrated secondary school. Francis is currently a Board Member of the following organisations: · Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce; · British Chambers of Commerce (London), the umbrella organisation for all 52 accredited Chambers throughout the UK; · The Agri Food Strategy Board, a Government appointed Board; · Review of Business Regulation Panel, a Government appointed Board; · Genesis Initiative London, an organisation based in the House of Commons focused on creating economic reform driven by SMEs; · Lagan College, Northern Ireland’s first integrated secondary school; and · Ciorani Ltd, a Dublin based investment charity. Gillian Bardin | Managing Director | Taylor Patterson, Financial Services Group
Gillian became the Managing Director of Taylor Patterson, Financial Services Group based in Preston, in August 2006 after playing a key role in the management buy out in the same year. Training and development have been key to Gillian’s role in the business and she has introduced graduate and apprenticeship programmes within the business. Gillian is now responsible for the future strategy, growth and development of Taylor Patterson. She specialises in developing business strategy, business management, new business opportunities and ensuring compliance with the regulator. Gillian is a qualified Chartered Accountant and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Having founded the Taylor Patterson Charity Committee in 2006, Gillian is keen to challenge herself each year to raise funds for a worthwhile cause. Jennifer Young | Partner & Chair | Ledingham Chalmers
Jennifer is partner and Chairman of Ledingham Chalmers (one of the largest full service law firms in North and North East Scotland). She has specialised in construction law throughout her career and is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a construction law specialist. Jennifer also sits on the Board of Governors of The Robert Gordon University; the Law Society of Scotland’s Construction Law Accreditation Panel and is elected to the Council of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and has recently joined the CBI Scotland Council. Jean McGlaughlin | Practice Manager & Mortgage Advisor | Astute Wealth Management
As well as being a founder Director of Astute Wealth Management Ltd, Jean is also a qualified mortgage adviser and protection specialist. Jean’s days are filled with many different activities and as Practice Manager she is in charge of the day to day running of the company. She takes charge of updating the Astute Company accounts and also provides this service for some of our clients. Previously Jean has helped to run a family business with her husband operating coaches, buses and a travel firm which ran its own holidays. Julie Lilley | Chief Operating Officer | FSB
Initially setting up her own business straight from leaving school, Julie has built a respected portfolio of experience across the private and the public sector. She spent several years in the Middle East working with the Royal Oman Police, responsible for a large chain of supply stores supplying oil installations across the desert. This was followed by a position as department lead in Special Branch where her studies in classical Arabic proved invaluable. She returned to the UK in 2004 and completed an MBA. She has worked with the FSB for over 16 years, initially heading up several departments before being appointed Chief Operations Officer in 2010. She currently leads the FSB Senior Management team. The FSB is the UKs foremost lobbying and support body for the UK self employed and small business owner, with more than 200,000 members across 188 branches. Joanne Pickering | HR Business Support Manager | Forbes Solicitors
Joanne, who is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development), has over 20 years experience of working in HR & Training. Joanne, for the past 14 years has worked for Forbes Solicitors, one of the largest regional law employing 320 staff over 9 offices. Joanne’s other roles include: supporting companies who do not have a HR Practitioner, an Ambassador for the National Apprenticeship Service, a member of the Lancashire Skills Board, and Chairs the Lancashire HR Employers Forum. Joanne is passionate about training and development in helping colleagues to achieve their full potential. Laura Jones DipPFS | Financial Planner | Astute Wealth Management
Laura graduated from Manchester University with a degree in English Literature and followed that with a year of travel. She began her career in Financial Services in 2004, totally by accident, when she landed a temporary role as an administrator at the office of an International Insurance Company, AXA. She progressed within the company from service and administration to sales and marketing, whilst gaining her diploma in Financial Planning. After nearly 10 years with AXA she chose to leave the world of corporate sales in 2013 when she became one of a minority of female financial advisers in the UK and now thoroughly enjoys supporting clients in all areas of their lives at Astute Wealth Management. Marj Boyer | International Growth and Transformation Specialist
Marj's experience covers many areas of the economy, but has particular expertise in the service sector including business and professional services. She has built a reputation for ‘growing’ companies and the people within them. She is the former Chief Executive Officer of One Central Park Ltd in Manchester and is the founder of Individual Partnerships, a company which works with businesses around the UK and overseas, driving and supporting them as they change and grow. Her approach to business has been called, “a common sense view which is not that common” and one of her most commonly used phrases is “You can, actually”. Mark Fallon | Chief Operating Officer | Lance Mason
Qualifying as a solicitor in 1991, Mark's key skills include negotiation, litigation, proactive change management and high level communication. Mark is highly experienced in business management and since joining Lance Mason in 2013, Mark has taken the firm to new heights and has become a key contributor. At Lance Mason, we encourage and promote both men and women equally, this can be evidenced in the balance of male and female members currently holding senior management posts. For women who are driven towards success, we believe that it is possible to combine rewarding employment whilst balancing a family life and it doesn't have to be a choice between the two. Mary-Lou Duggan | Practice Manager | Pierce Accountants
Before joining Pierce, Mary-Lou was the Managing Director of an East Lancashire manufacturing business. She is a Fellow of the International Compliance Association, and her role as Practice Manager at Pierce CA Limited comprehensively includes, Marketing, HR, Health and Safety and office facilities generally. However, her first love in all of this must be marketing. Although not ‘qualified’ in that area, following a lifetime in business, Mary-Lou is a keen exponent of Social Media and all that it offers, including digital and multi-media marketing. She says: “I am learning every day, but find this digital new world to be fascinating” Sandra Garlick | SG Business Consulting
Sandra Garlick is a former solicitor and business owner. After a career in Sales & Marketing and having her family, Sandra decided at the age of 30 to completely retrain and qualify as a solicitor. Following qualification and working in various leading national and international firms based in Birmingham, Sandra founded her own firm, De Marco Solicitors, in 2007 which became one for largest Legal 500 teams of Employment Law solicitors in Coventry & Warwickshire. She merged her business in October 2014 which allowed her to embark on working with start up and early stage businesses as a mentor and business consultant. Sandra now works with business owners on a one to one and group basis on business growth strategy through her business SG Business Consulting. Drawing on her legal knowledge and her own business experience enables her to share her practical business experience. She also founded CW Business Incubation which is a platform that works with start up businesses to accelerate their growth in order to attract investment. Sandra also holds a number of positions in the local business community and in particular supports Zoe’s Place Hospice and Coventry City Former Player’s Association. Sandra is also a volunteer mentor for RBS Entrepreneurial Spark and an Ambassador for ROLE. Shakira Musarat I Relationship Director I Corporate Banking Origination, Barclays
Shakira works in the Barclays Corporate Team as a Relationship Director managing a portfolio of larger corporate clients with complex financial needs mainly across the East Lancashire area. She has been with the organisation for over 20 years, having undertaken a number of managerial roles in customer service , operational and compliance . Having left school after A levels Shakira started work in the retail sector in East Lancashire and soon moved into international services. A mixture of roles followed prior to her taking up her current position some 3 years ago. Shakira has won a number of internal and external awards for customer service and has managed to adapt to various changes during her career having moved from team leader roles to working on her own and been the public face of the company with a client portfolio Shakira has been dedicated to personal development throughout her time at Barclays utilising internal and external opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge including the IFS ( Institute Financial Services ) qualifications. In addition she has found the use of a mentor to assist in her development and is keen to pass on her skills and experiences to the next generation of bankers. Married with three children Shakira fully understands the challenges faced in managing work and family commitments and fully empathises with others in similar scenarios. |
Property
Emma Long | Sales and Marketing Director | Bizspace Ltd
Biz space Ltd is the largest UK-wide provider of managed flexible business space. Emma oversees Bizspace’s 110 business centres, comprising 7million square feet, and is responsible for 200 employees. She took on her current role in 2011 after joining the firm in 2003 and she became a director with Bizspace in 2006.
Responsible for the firm’s sales and marketing and HR functions, Emma’s key roles include leading the team of sales managers, staff training, development and recruitment, customer care and retention, brand and product development and liaison with investors.
Emma has more than 15 years’ professional experience working 'client side' for large multi-site organisations.
Biz space Ltd is the largest UK-wide provider of managed flexible business space. Emma oversees Bizspace’s 110 business centres, comprising 7million square feet, and is responsible for 200 employees. She took on her current role in 2011 after joining the firm in 2003 and she became a director with Bizspace in 2006.
Responsible for the firm’s sales and marketing and HR functions, Emma’s key roles include leading the team of sales managers, staff training, development and recruitment, customer care and retention, brand and product development and liaison with investors.
Emma has more than 15 years’ professional experience working 'client side' for large multi-site organisations.
Gareth Evans | Managing Director | Bizspace Ltd & Treasurer BCA
After time at Nottingham University, Gareth qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991 with E&Y. After qualifying he spent time at Sun Life and then Whitbread before, in 1999, becoming Finance Director of a £300m distribution company. After 7 years, he moved to Bizspace plc as FD and then in July 2006, following a takeover by Highcross Ltd, he became Managing Director and took the business private. Since then he has focussed on developing an industry renowned team and led the business through a period of significant growth. Bizspace now operates over 110 sites and has become the UK’s largest flexible business space provider.
After time at Nottingham University, Gareth qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991 with E&Y. After qualifying he spent time at Sun Life and then Whitbread before, in 1999, becoming Finance Director of a £300m distribution company. After 7 years, he moved to Bizspace plc as FD and then in July 2006, following a takeover by Highcross Ltd, he became Managing Director and took the business private. Since then he has focussed on developing an industry renowned team and led the business through a period of significant growth. Bizspace now operates over 110 sites and has become the UK’s largest flexible business space provider.
Retail
Rosemary French OBE | Executive Director | Gatwick Diamond Initiative
Rosemary French joined the Gatwick Diamond Initiative in 2010, from Business Link Surrey, where she had been CEO since 2001. After leaving Edinburgh University, her private sector career was in retail buying joining the plc board of Ryman, Athena and Dillons Bookstores as Group Marketing Director at the age of 32. Subsequently she became MD of a £20m stationery and card manufacturing company in Oldham with 120 employees. Her career is varied having led a £13m MBO and two smaller £2 to £3m MBI’s and experienced working as MD and shareholder within venture capital owned sme’s. Rosemary is currently also a Governor at East Surrey FE and HE College in Redhill. Her interest in promoting and increasing the number of women in business began in the mid 2000’s when she developed a series of free one day inspiring and training events for thousands of women across the South East. Over the period of these events, the number of women led businesses in the South East increased from 16 to 22%. Rosemary's OBE, awarded in 2014, is for services to women in business. Her hobbies are cycle touring and volunteering at her local Arts Centre. |
SportSarah Nightingale | Welsh Rugby Players Association
Sarah Nightingale is the Player Development Manager for The Welsh Rugby Players Association concentrating on player welfare, education, career and dealing with legal and HR issues that the players may face. She also sits on the Professional Players Federation Committee as the only full time female member in this panel in addition to sitting on the Professional Players Education and Training Committee. Sarah’s extensive experience in performance sport comes both as a sportswomen and also as a Lifestyle Advisor, having worked with both the EIS and TASS and with a variety of sports. This has included working with the RYA to support Elite Sailors, England and GB Hockey and GB Rowing, as well as the GB Goalball squad and the UK Tchoukball Squads. Sarah has a strong educational background having worked as Deputy Director in the Sports Department of a major Russel Group University, overseeing the Performance Sport Programme and water sports centre. Prior to this she was Head of PE/ Head of Year at a number of Schools. Outside of the World of Sport Sarah is a Heart Math Coach and a DISC accredited Profiler who specialises in Team and Individual Dynamics for both organisations and individuals. STEMJackie Longworth | Fair Play, North West
Jackie chairs the regional women's equality network, Fair Play South West. She is also a member of the SWTUC Women's Committee, which she has chaired in the past, and is currently a Vice-President of the Women's Engineering Society, having served as President in the past. Jackie graduated from the University of Bristol with a BSc (Hons) degree in physics and joined what was then the Central Electricity Generating Board in 1967. She worked for 34 years in nuclear plant safety. Throughout this period, Jackie was an active member and representative of her Trade Union, becoming its President in 1994. Gill Marsden | NIS Ltd
Gill was the third generation of her family to work at the Sellafield Nuclear site, starting as a teenage Junior Process Worker, before training as a Health Physics monitor and moving to Calder Hall as a Team Leader in 1994. At Calder her career changed direction when she joined the cooling tower demolition project, undertaking the role of managing the multiple and complex Stakeholders. This culminated in 2007 with the successful explosive demolition of the towers where, as one of the project execution team, she was fortunate enough to have a ring side seat. The end of this project saw her look for a new challenge and in 2008 Gill left Sellafield to join NIS who specialise in the design and manufacture of bespoke plant and equipment, primarily for the nuclear industry. Technology & Communications |
Fiona White | Managing Director | New Level Results
Fiona is an experienced business professional, a qualified accountant and a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management. Her corporate career spans roles in finance, logistics and sales in blue chip organisations where she has led teams and transformed culture. Her most recent role was Head of Business Sales at Vodafone UK, with previous roles in Unilever, Danone and Coors. Her approach to strategy is to keep it simple with an outward focus on customers. She thrives on bringing out the best in people and loves new challenges. Liz Hey | Managing Director | Elizabeth Jayne Associates
Liz was Business Woman of the Year Finalist 2013 and founded Elizabeth Jane Associates in 2012. Her passions are business growth, entrepreneurship, education and philanthropy. Liz works as a business consultant, trainer and coach for SME owner-managers and has previously worked as a management consultant for blue-chip clients including AstraZeneca and BP. Liz ran a mobile communications company for three years and spent eight years in the public sector forging public-private partnerships and funding major economic development projects in the North West of England. Liz is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management and a mentor with the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs. Sarah Windrum | CEO | Emerald Group
Now the CEO of a technology group, Sarah began her career in publishing after graduating from Oxford University with a MA in English Literature. She moved into technology in 2009 setting up the regional Midlands operation for a London mobile communications group before starting her own business offering technology support for mobile workforces in 2012. After securing the contract to support IKEA’s Home Delivery division in June 2014, Sarah’s business merged with their IT support and IT infrastructure partners appointing her as Group CEO. Her role now is to focus on business expansion opportunities particularly in global markets. |
Training
Fiona Castela
I am a confident and proactive Senior Manager with extensive experience gained managing numerous transnational EU projects within the public and private sectors. Along with my complex project management expertise I have an in-depth knowledge of corporate business and small business development structures, grant funding, EU methodology and programmes. Generated 13M Euros of grants to NW companies. Below are a selection of networking abilities and supporting skills that underpin my success in Grant, Tenders and Investment plan writing, • Identify and progress new business opportunities within challenging trading conditions. • Influence and persuade managers, business owners and government to adopt change. • Promote and facilitate partnerships between business, regional & local authorities and higher education institutes on an international basis. • High degree of strategic knowledge of North West landscape and myriad public sector funded offers. Develop clear vision and planning goals against a wide range of KPIs. • Build an effective strong delivery team, via communication and diplomacy. • Manage financial reporting, create annual budgets, deliver financial targets, monitor impact and achievement against qualitative and quantitative targets under robust internal and external control. • Appraise, evaluate and recommend action on high risk projects. Manages COSME, Horizon 2020, ERDF and ESF complex European funding. Click to set custom HTML
Lesley Shepperson | Shepperson and Shepperson Consultants Ltd
Lesley is a Senior Leader, Education Consultant, Managing Director of Shepperson and Shepperson Consultants Ltd and a Master of Education Graduate with proven dynamic leadership and management skills. After spending her early working life in private industry she decided to follow her passion for helping and supporting others to reach their full potential by entering into education, training and development. Her journey has led to involvement in many social and business enterprises which have included mentoring and supporting disenfranchised young people entering into employment, youth and community work, supporting young people in care, coaching and mentoring aspiring professionals, developing educational materials and education consultancy. One of Lesley’s favourite quotes is “don’t let your vision be restricted by the window pane of your current situation”. She believes that if you don’t try you throw away the opportunity to succeed. Heather Montoute | Heather Montoute Executive Coach
An Exceptional Sales Trainer/Facilitator and Board and Executive Master Coach who has achieved outstanding results in Sales and Sales Management Training, particularly the Psychology of Selling and Leadership working in diverse industry sectors such as IT, Banking & Finance, Manufacturing, Legal, Property Investment, Travel & Leisure and Fleet Management. Has 20 years experience of Senior Management, the last role being Global Head of Business Development and Client Relationship Management for an Investment Bank. The combination of training expertise and practical experience of sales and sales management makes Heather a very credible trainer and facilitator. Her style of training is very interactive and experiential using professional actors for simulation and role play in order to create, as far as possible, real life scenarios for delegates to demonstrate and practice new skills. Follow up coaching is provided for the Senior Leadership in order to ensure that the skills are embedded into the workplace thereby ensuring maximum return on investment. Samantha North | Managing Director | EMEA for leading global learning services organisation – Wilson Learning Worldwide.
Samantha leads the business with the core company values at heart, ensuring her diverse, multi-national team are fully engaged and working ‘on purpose’ every day. Samantha is passionate about leadership development – she continuously strives to balance and enhance her own leadership and management skills, whilst providing support for high potential leaders to step up within her own organisation. Samantha is an advocate for Women In Leadership, championing females in business to aspire to become the kind of leaders ‘people choose to follow’. Samantha is a member of the Institute of Directors and the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and is a regular speaker at key industry conferences across Europe. |