#FQ3 FORUM DISCUSSES THE GROWTH OF UK WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

Pink Shoe, together with the Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) (link is external), organized the third International Female Quotient (#FQ3) Forum at The Shard in central London. This forum advanced the discussion for opportunities for women-owned businesses in a complex and post-Brexit economy with representatives from the City, corporate, public sector and professional industries.

This third forum is a milestone in a 5-year program that will see the development of the first-ever UK Economic Blueprint (UK EB) for women-owned businesses. It follows on from last year’s successful #FQ2 forum, also held at The Shard, which marked the launch of the Economic Blueprint and the Ten Point Plan  underpinning its delivery. Since then, Team EB with seven supporting work streams has defined the vision, mission and scope of the overall program, as well as the individual work stream plans which will bring this innovative and unique platform to fruition.

#FQ3 took the conversation surrounding the growth of UK women-owned businesses to industry representatives, corporates and public sector, discussing the positive impact these businesses have on the economy and the emerging opportunities for global collaboration, especially in the light of a post-Brexit economy. The program included keynote speeches, presentations and panel discussions on various topics, including the development of the UK Economic Blueprint for Women, the impact of gender parity on economic growth, the Brexit effect for women-owned business and the global picture for female enterprise, showcasing international case studies.

Conference delegates included industry leaders and representatives from the City, as well as international corporates, business owners and organizations that represent women business owners, influencers and policy makers.

As Jill Pay, Chairman of Pink Shoe Senate, remarked:  “#FQ3 is an important milestone in our overall strategy and plans. Last year’s conference, #FQ2, was Day One in Year One. We are now in Day One of Year Two, and all the seven work streams are steaming ahead to define the requirements and bring to life the technology and collaborative platforms that will underpin the Economic Blueprint. We are now working with corporates, business owners and national organizations to reach the largest possible number of women-owned businesses.”