NatWest event series champions women in business across the South of England
NatWest recently hosted the third in an annual event series designed to support and empower women in business to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey.
This year’s ‘Celebrating You’ event brought together some of the region’s leading voices in a bid to champion diversity in business, providing attendees with a platform for networking, learning, and inspiration.
Hosted at the Reading offices of collaborating partner KPMG, the line up event featured an inspirational panel of speakers including Jillian MacLean, CEO of Drake & Morgan, and Emma Tompkins, Deputy Commander for Reading Local Police Area, who both shared their experiences on working in male-dominated fields and advice for fostering inclusive workplaces.
NatWest’s Business Inclusion Programme Manager, Blessing Mutamba also took to the stage to discuss why events like these are so important and to explore further how NatWest aims to continually support entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
‘Celebrating You’ was a notable success, having more than doubled in scale since the first NatWest women in business event in 2021. This year welcomed more than 45 guests, offering attendees the opportunity to meet with likeminded business consultants, sector specialists, and peers and fostering an environment of collaboration and support.
Blessing Mutamba, NatWest’s Business Inclusion Programme Manager, said: "This event is a crucial part of our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the business sphere.""Both women and ethnic minorities are often
underrepresented and undervalued professionally, but by bringing together leaders and professionals from different backgrounds, we can share experiences, learn from one another, and drive meaningful change in our organisations and beyond.
“NatWest is committed to supporting every one of our own colleagues and I’m incredibly proud of our Employee Led Networks, which are each made up of volunteer team members who play a pivotal role in delivering, profiling and influencing our bank-wide inclusion strategy.”
Jillian MacLean, CEO of Drake & Morgan, added: “Events like this are so important in not just allowing women and people to celebrate our successes but to inspire, share knowledge and show that it is possible to grow in the world of business.“It was a great to be able to share my story in front of a room full of engaged and motivated people and I look forward to seeing how NatWest and KPMG continue to help elevate women in this space.”
Emma Tompkins, Deputy Commander for Reading Local Police Area, said: “Diversity is not just a corporate responsibility it’s a societal one.”
“Events like ‘Celebrating You’ are essential in breaking down barriers and building bridges across different sectors and as a representative of the Reading Local Police Area, I am proud to be part of such an inspiring initiative.”