PARTNER COMMENT OPINION 81
WOMEN IN FURNITURE NETWORK (WIFN)
Enabling industry women to connect The second Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) event took place at The Iron Gallery in Birmingham in October. Zoë Bonser, portfolio director for the Retail Division at Clarion Events, the company behind trade fairs including the January and Manchester furniture shows, outlines how the network continues to go from strength to strength, bolstered by new initiatives that make it easier than ever for women to come together and further their furniture industry careers … By Zoë Bonser
It was wonderful to see so many women from across the industry at our latest event. Seeing the network grow rapidly, and the overwhelming positivity from our attendees who have built worthwhile connections within it, just cements how important a supportive network like this is for the industry. Being in Birmingham allowed us to bring together women from across the country who work within the furniture and design industry for an afternoon of inspiration and connections. The Furniture Shows team were delighted to be joined by so many wonderful women and enjoy an afternoon filled with insightful talks from: Heather Agan de Visser, a renowned coach, consultant, and speaker from Fierce Consulting, along with; Emma Botham, a senior category manager in furniture from eBay; and Natalie Cole from The Furniture Makers’ Company. We centred the event around the theme of Mentorship, and attendees left inspired by the speakers’ stories and motivating anecdotes that proved how integral mentoring is for a women’s career. Heather delivered an engaging presentation that touched on the importance of learning to trust your gut in life and business, as well as ensuring that all women work together to support and raise each other up. Her insights into personal and professional growth resonated with attendees, leaving them inspired and motivated to pursue their goals. We also had eBay’s Emma Botham sharing how mentoring has helped shape her career journey, by highlighting how important her mentor has been throughout her career as an essential sounding board when she comes up against challenges. Continuing this theme, Natalie Cole introduced the network to The Furniture Makers’ Company’s new initiative, the Apprentice and Skills Plus Service. She highlighted the importance of getting young people interested in careers in the furniture industry, and how it can be beneficial for manufacturers to take
on apprentices to ensure the continuation of British manufacturing. The goal behind WIFN is to foster a proactive network to help women in the furniture and design industry to connect and support each other, so the WIFN team were excited to announce the new Mentorship Exchange platform. This platform will facilitate an environment where mentors and aspiring mentees can connect, and find support and guidance from other women facing similar challenges in the industry. If you didn’t make it to our Birmingham event, then you won’t want to miss our next WIFN event! Join us at our Speed Networking session at the January Furniture Show on the 22nd January 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Crafting the Future networking hub in Hall 5. Attendees will be able to join an energetic Speed Networking session, where they can meet a mix of exhibitors and visitors attending the show, as well as hear from senior female leaders from across the industry. www.thefurnitureshows.com/women-in-furniture
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
“The new Mentorship Exchange platform will facilitate an environment where mentors and aspiring mentees can connect
Women in
FURNITURE
Young Furniture Makers exhibition.