Business

Business lifestyle

Celebrating International Women’s Day – and women in business!

"I turn 60 next year and am proof that it’s never too late to start your own business and do something you feel passionate about. I started The Great British Porridge Co. with no business experience but two years on I have a thriving business and my products are stocked in Waitrose and Sainsbury’s! Anyone can do it if they have a good idea and work hard.” Jacqueline Barleycorn, The Great British Porridge Co.

Meet the heroines who’ve made a difference

8th March is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is #EachForEqual. We approached some inspirational local women to ask for their views on building a business, celebrating each other’s successes and being the best version of yourself you can be…

“Running a business takes a great amount of self-belief. As women, we should also be supporting each other more, bigging up our sisters and shouting out about how wonderful they are.” Michelle Harvey, Orpington PIB and Life Celebrant

“Today gender is no barrier for reaching for and striving to achieve your life goals. Women have many parts to play in life; daughter, sister, mother, partner, friend, and in my case, photographer. Being a photographer is an intrinsic part of who I am, on equal footing with my other roles. And as Oprah once said, “If you can get paid for doing what you love, every pay check is a bonus.” Harriet Buckingham, Harriet Buckingham Photography

“Never devalue yourself or what you offer – you are worthy and deserving. Never be afraid of change or to move the goal posts – change is positive and actually pretty exciting! Melanie Alford MAR, Soulistic Therapy

"Every year at Compassion HomeCare we celebrate International Women’s Day – Each female member of staff is given a small bouquet of flowers. Our staff come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and we feel it is important to celebrate and recognise the fact that women play and important role in delivering excellent care to our elderly clients." Eniko Benfield, director, Compassion HomeCare (and a woman!)

"I am a proof that you can change your career and interests and take a completely new turn in life in your 40s. Part of my job is to inspire women to believe in themselves and dare to dream and achieve even if it requires hard work and determination.” Naama Gelber, Pilates with Naama

CELEBRATE LOCALLY!

Sign up to the free ‘Her Story, Her Voice’ event on Monday 30th March to mark International Women’s Day!

It takes place at Bromley Civic Centre from 9.30am-2.30pm.

Email info@iverbalize.co.uk

Inspirational women of the last decade…

Malala Yousafzai Greta Thunberg #MeToo campaigners The Lionesses - England women's football team StoryTerrace

We joined Bromley FSB members to meet with Lord Harris at his Harris Ventures office in Orpington recently. The roundtable discussion addressed real issues affecting local businesses in advance of meetings Lord Harris had scheduled with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary. The roundtable was arranged by Chandra Sharma, owner of Tangent Office Resources in Orpington and Bromley representative for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Three cheers for Chandra! Local businessman, Chandra Sharma, owner of Tangent Office Supplies in Orpington, (and proud sponsor of our Letters Page!) has been awarded the Special Contribution Award at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) UK Volunteer Awards 2020. The award was given to acknowledge his work in organising a highly successful Skills 30:30 event at Harris Academy Beckenham, bringing together businesses and students. Chandra Sharma, described as ‘a legend’ by small businesses, won the award for his commitment and dedication to supporting small businesses in the London Borough of Bromley. His passion to help make a difference has touched hundreds of small business owners over the last year. Well done Chandra – we can’t think of anyone more deserving! – Nicky & Lauretta

Celebrate International Women’s Day with

Monday 30th March from 9.30am-2.30pm at Bromley Civic Centre

For details and to register email: info@iverbalize.co.uk

The Federation of Small Businesses and Bromley Council with event sponsors FSB Insurance Service, are bringing together Big Business and local SMEs in a one-day Meet The Buyer event. Free to attend and free to exhibit!

WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH - 10AM - 4PM The Great Hall, Bromley Civic Centre Stockwell Close, Bromley BR1 3UH

Visit www.MeetTheBuyerBromley.co.uk to book your ticket and appointments, and register with Streetpin to connect with Buyers and Attendees