Trail Blazing Gala Dinner

The power and momentum of City Women's Network came into spectacular fore at its recent annual celebratory Gala Dinner held in the prestigious surroundings of Claridges.  India Gary-Martin, CWN's President led a glittering evening with over  200  of the most senior and respected women in the City, from the legal, business and finance professions.  

Major awards were presented to women who have demonstrated excellence in their field.  

CWN Member, Fiona Woolf CBE, received the Trailblazer Award. Fiona is a Sheriff of the City of London. She is only the third woman to have held this prestigious role since records began in 1189. In 2013, Fiona is due to become the second ever female Lord Mayor of the City of London, another monumental achievement. Fiona thanked CWN for raising the profile of senior women in business and said:  “Being second or third is as important as being first, as it enables other women to follow."  
 

Amanda Wakeley, OBE, was recognised by the Phoenix Award for the meteoric rise of her self-titled fashion label following its near collapse. “Hers is a story of fortitude and perseverance that is not for the faint of heart,” said India Gary-Martin.  

Angela Hartnett, MBE, was presented with the Beacon Award as a Gordon Ramsey protégé and Michelin starred chef, eliciting praise from the President of CWN: “Angela is a shining light for women who dare to dream and who challenge the status quo.”
 

The CWN Board and Membership also honoured India Gary-Martin, who announced that this was the last year of her Presidency. Lisa Bryant, CWN Secretary, and Director of Women in Business for Lloyd’s Banking Group, said: ”India has achieved so much in two years as President and before that as Professional Development Committee Chair.  Our membership has grown substantially under her Presidency, meaning that even more senior women in London have access to support as they develop in their careers. Initiatives that she has championed and led include the Board Readiness Programme, ‘Rising Stars’, first ever CWN annual Conference, our recent inaugural House of Lords Symposium and bringing CWN together with our Corporate Members.  India’s commitment, energy, sharp engaging mind, her ability to inspire, her strong leadership and sense of humour are held in high esteem by the membership of CWN - it is an honour to serve with you.”
 

Platform 51, CWN's chosen charity, brought guests to a standing ovation when CEO Penny Newman and Louise Barwell, a young women and volunteer supported by Platform 51, talked about their work. Penny urged society to listen to the voices of women from all walks of life.  Louise shared her moving story of how Platform 51 helped her on the long road towards re-establishing her life.

A silent auction and raffle in aid of Platform 51 was held with Miriam Staley, former finalist on The Apprentice UK leading the auctioneering proceedings. Auction items included a pair of glamorous Jimmy Choo shoes donated by Davina McCall, Royal Opera Tickets, a Jaeger handbag and even one-week corporate placements at both BNY Mellon Investment Bank and Lloyd's Banking Group. Award winner, Angela Hartnett, MBE donated a surprise auction item which included a special meal for eight cooked by her at the winner’s home. This fantastic item raised an additional £5,250 for Platform 51.This made an additional bumper contribution to the substantial donation that the evening raised overall for the charity.        

Platform 51's CEO Penny Newman, said: "We are delighted to be CWN's Charity of the Year and to have received such wonderful support from India and the membership of CWN." 

India Gary-Martin, commented: "This momentous occasion for CWN has sent a strong signal that we have truly arrived as the leading membership organisation for senior female leaders in London.  We have much to celebrate for our unequivocal success. But our path is not a complacent one.  2012 is already being discussed by our Board to ensure that we drive an even more formidable strategy for our membership.  We are justifiably proud of our achievements. The execution of a well thought out strategy has well positioned us as an organisation of significant power and influence.”