WOMEN IN the north west mean business – and a series of events throughout the region is helping them to put their plans into action.

Northern Power Women (NPW) was launched in Liverpool to accelerate gender equality in the north of England by recognising, celebrating and showcasing role models.

“The initiative began with an idea that we should start having a conversation around gender equality from the north, as opposed to everything being very Westminster-centric,” said Northern Power Futures founder Simone Roche MBE, who is also a Northern Power Women partner.

“So, I launched an event called Women Inspiring the Economy and such was the support, interest, success and legacy of it, that Northern Power Women was born.

Driven by inequality in her sector, and a belief in a collaborative north, Roche created a network of ambassadors and advocates, bringing great northern women together to connect and support future and returning talent, as well as giving back to underserved communities.

“Until recently, the campaign has been grown single handedly. NPW is the only pan-northern campaign accelerating gender equality and involves a range of connecting, influencing, and thought leadership, and an annual awards ceremony,” she said.

Working in conjunction with NatWest, NPW recently toured the north with the Role Model Series. Women who recently started a business or are thinking of doing so were invited to attend the free events and discuss with a panel of business owners how they could be helped to start and grow. 

SUCCESS

The final event was held in Manchester last month. Hosted by Roche, the panel included Annie Mbako, director of Heroworx Institute, James Yu, co-founder of Wicker Wings, Nickala Torkington, co-founder of Flourish CIC, and Heather Waters, strategic lead at NatWest.

Roche added: “We’ve had great success. Individuals have set up their businesses, grown their business and acquired export contracts globally.

“That’s the power of coming together and collaboration – people coming together to support each other but actually to grow the economy.”

Vanessa Stoddart, an occupational social worker living in Manchester, attended the event to receive advice on how to set up her own business and to network with other entrepreneurs:

She said: “I understand it can be difficult and I need all the help I can get. In the near future I plan to start a charity with my sister under the umbrella of Press Red – a Christian organisation educating, equipping, and empowering on the issues of violence and abuse against women and girls.

“Alongside this, I aim to develop an accessory line.” In March, the fifth Northern Power Women Awards will take place at a ceremony at Manchester Central Convention Complex, showcasing role models and celebrating the many different ways women contribute to a thriving Northern Powerhouse. It will also celebrate the women and men working towards creating gender balance in organisations.

“The awards, which are now the largest in the country, showcase and spotlight the winners not only during the gala event, but also continuously throughout the year to ensure ongoing visibility for these role models and to use their presence to inspire,” said Roche.

For further details about future NPW campaigns and the awards visit northernpowerwomen.com and/or book tickets at eventbrite.