New sponsorship supports women in business events

Goal setting and starting afresh in business are two of the topics being tackled at the first in the series of Women’s Business Forum meetings, sponsored in Herefordshire and Worcestershire this year by HCR, working in partnership with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

The firm will sponsor the series of five events, including a conference in the autumn. The first event, a breakfast forum, will be held from 9.30am -11am on Tuesday 31 May at Michelin-starred restaurant Pensons, near Tenbury Wells.

Delegates will hear from:

• Emma May White, director at Real World Coaching, who will focus on goal setting
• Bev Haywood, owner of Astley Vineyard, who will reflect on her family’s first two years after taking over the vineyard with no previous experience, with a focus on starting afresh in business
• Clare John, owner of Rowley Farm Holidays, who will talk about her business journey.

Rebecca Kirk, head of HCR’s Hereford office, employment partner and Herefordshire Area Council member at the Chamber, has regularly represented the firm and its employment team at the forum.

She said: “The forum is an excellent vehicle to support Herefordshire women right across the range of business sectors; we have a thriving business community in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and we know both from our own business and from the many businesses we deal with, the value of engaging women at all levels in business. Our sponsorship of these events reflects our commitment to encouraging, supporting and valuing diversity, equality and a strong business culture across the two counties.”

Robert Elliot, director of business engagement at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are delighted that Harrison Clark Rickerbys, as sponsors, will be driving the Women’s Business Forum forward in the years to come. Forums are so important to our members and this forum is one of the fastest growing, forward thinking and creative of them all. I would urge all businesses to attend, share best practice and gain new insight.”

The forum, which will meet in July, September, November and February next year, aims to:

• Provide a strong network of contacts, mutual encouragement and support
• Develop skills and competencies through a range of high quality, informative speakers
• Promote the development of business, professional and social relationships
• Highlight the contribution of women to the business community.