Retail News|March 2017|www.retailnews.ie|43
IGBF Interview
TWIG Growing Connections
Pictured enjoying the reception at last year’s inaugural Todays’ Women in Grocery (TWIG) networking luncheon in the Westbury Hotel are the TWIG committee (l-r): Frances Higgins, BWG; Anne O’Brien, Musgraves; Brigid O’Neill, Birds Eye; Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Think Plan Do Consulting; Paula Donoghue, Bord Bia; Paula Conlon, Heineken Ireland; and Lorraine Butler, CPM. LEADING women from the Irish grocery industry are invited to gather at the InterContinental Hotel Ballsbridge, at the second ‘Today’s Women in Grocery’ (TWIG) networking lunch on Friday, May 19, 2017. The TWIG group was created by the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) as a platform for women in grocery to grow their connections, learn from leading inspirational women, discuss issues of concern and to network with each other. Its key focus is on raising the profile of women in the grocery sector and fundraising for the IGBF. The event, which will attract many senior leaders across the grocery sector, will feature speakers including: Louise Ryan, Managing Director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Áine Maguire, Managing Director, Persuasion; Aoibheann O’Brien, CEO of FoodCloud Hub; and Sheila Gallagher, Commercial Director, Tesco. It will again be
compèred by Melanie Morris, EditorIn-Chief of Image Magazine. “We are delighted to be hosting this year’s TWIG luncheon in the Intercontinental Hotel to facilitate ‘networking’ amongst the women in our industry,” noted Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Chair of the Committee and MD of Think Plan Do Consulting. “The luncheon will give women in grocery the opportunity to connect and foster important connections with fellow retailers, agencies and suppliers. It will also give them an opportunity to listen to the inspirational stories and experiences of ‘Growing Connections’ in the careers of our insightful speakers.” Research carried out after last year’s inaugural event revealed some interesting statistics. Work life balance was named as the number
one issue facing women in the Irish grocery sector. The research found that more than one in three women (38%) attending felt balancing family life and work was a key concern. General support in the workplace for women and gender imbalance in management were also prevalent issues, with one in four women (25%) reporting that support for women in the workforce was an issue for them in their careers. This rose to more than a third (36%) of women aged 50 years of age and older. TWIG is unique to the Irish grocery sector, offering networking opportunities targeted to a female audience in a supportive open environment. This is reflected in the fact that almost two thirds (60%) of women connected with up to 10 people on the day. TWIG, as part of the IGBF, is striving to encourage more female participation in industry events and initiatives. The event opens with a champagne and networking reception followed by lunch. The cost of a table of 10 is €1,750, or €175 per ticket. For further information, contact Roisin Higgins in Hotel Solutions roisin@hotel-solutions.ie / 01 6309211.