2018 TWIG in summary!

A record 460 senior female figures from the leading companies in Ireland’s food, grocery and retail sectors gathered in the InterContinental Hotel to discuss their role in shaping the industry at a charity networking event entitled ‘Breaking New Ground’ hosted by Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG), a sub-committee of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF).

In a move to pave the way for future female talent to make their impact on the food, grocery and retail sectors, TWIG has also unveiled details of a unique new mentorship programme, which will be faciltated by CPM.  The programme will partner business leaders with emerging female talent in the sector and aspiring female leaders are urged to register their interest at TWIG mentoring@cpmire.com.

Marking the first year of their support for the luncheon, Kildare Village is partnering with TWIG to host a series of engaging complimentary style master classes later this year to empower women to unlock the potential of their personal brand by presenting themselves with confidence.  Those interested can register at https://www.kildarevillage.com/TWIG.

Now in its third year, the Today’s Women in Grocery networking charity luncheon has quickly become one of the must-attend professional networking events of the year for senior women in grocery due to its format of bringing inspirational female business leaders together to empower women through a frank and open exchange of the challenges and opportunities in business for women today and tomorrow.

Speakers included entrepreneur Alison Cowzer who is the co-founder of East Coast Bakehouse which produces a range of cookies and biscuits for the Irish, UK and European markets, and one of the investors on RTE’s Dragon’s Den; Lorraine Higgins, the newly announced CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland representing the interests of 1,750 leading retailers and a former senator; and business woman, broadcaster and social entrepreneur Sonya Lennon, the driving force behind the award winning  frockadvisor digital platform and the Lennon Courtney fashion label.

Sonya imparted her insights on empowering women to succeed from her experience establishing the Irish branch of the internationally acclaimed Dress for Success social enterprise.  Since its establishment in 2011, Dress for Success Ireland has supported 1,500 women on their journey to economic independence by offering professional clothing, the skills to succeed at interview and a suite of CPD and mentoring programmes.