City Women's Network, London

Christina René - Business Relationship Manager for IT, Catlin Holdings Ltd

"CWN has contributed significantly to my personal and professional development, while making it so much fun. I have had the privilege of government advisors’ views on the future of pensions. I have benefited from canny tips about investing in property, wine and art. Insights given in a briefing on charity trustees have directly shaped my ability to invoke positive change as a charity trustee – I immediately upgraded the trustee induction pack! I value the professional expertise as well as the pleasure of having my colours done, having a makeover, a private fashion show, featuring styling examples for real women’s sizes, shapes and lifestyles; all CWN events. Where else can I just drop in for drinks and chat with friends both new and of long standing? The pleasure of supportive and stimulating company, introduction to delightful venues that I didn’t know about, arts events I would not have visited on my own, a weekend house party in Istanbul, a magical musical show in the open air on a balmy summer’s evening. Take your pick!"

Diane Morris - CWN President 2003-2006, current TIAW President

"I joined CWN on the recommendation of TIAW (The International Alliance for Women) as I had returned to London after ten years in Asia where I was very involved in the running of women’s networks in Tokyo and Singapore. These networks were incredible in providing me with professional support and social and business networking opportunities, and I was looking for the same on my return. I was not disappointed when I found CWN, and was warmly welcomed by the then President, Anne de Suiza, who quickly got me involved as Chairman of the Business Committee. As CWN President, I was constantly aware of the influence of its longstanding members and enjoyed the challenge of developing programmes to meet their needs but which at the same time attracted new members. In the process, I have expanded my list of contacts from a handful to one that would fill a conference room, and above all I have made some wonderful friendships."

Bettie Morton - Founder, The Bettie Morton Gallery

"I was introduced to CWN by Jenny Day back in 2005. I was struck by how friendly everybody was and I soon became a member. I have since met great and interesting women and enjoyed coming to events. One such encounter very early on was with Caroline Summerfield who then introduced me to the Contemporary Art Society because of my background in the Arts. In May 2007 I was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Contemporary Art Society as a direct result of being a member of CWN. Having never been a member of any networking group I am so glad I joined CWN and I would recommend it to anybody thinking of joining. You never know where it might lead you or what doors it might open."

Anna Westcott -Director Topaz Coaching & Alo Aloe!

"After a career break I found CWN the perfect place to get connected back into the City and work life again. I joined CWN nearly 3 years ago and in that time have benefited in many ways through the association. The professionalism of members is inspiring. There are many informative events which tackle topical subjects affecting the workplace, and the social events are varied from visits to art galleries to fashion to power lunches - all a great way to network.
I have met many interesting people and made good friends. I hope it continues to grow in strength over the next thirty years!"

Jane Keir - Winner of the Woman of Achievement Awards 2007 - Legal Services Sector, and named in the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2009 - Senior Partner, Kingsley Napley

"CWN has provided me with a wide and varied network of contacts with whom I can share views and points of interest and many of whom have become my friends. It can be easy sometimes to neglect the issues that touch all women in their busy professional lives, but CWN events are always topical and rewarding in terms of keeping up to date with developments and learning and debating with those who are the best in their respective fields in areas that are of such importance to women today."

Roz Morris -Managing Director, TV News London Ltd, Vice President CWN 2008 -2010

“I love City Women’s Network because I can meet other grown-ups – women who are great fun and very professional and well informed. The true value of any network is whether you make some friends as well as contacts and CWN has always done that for me. I joined several years ago and I have helped other members to make useful business contacts as well as gaining vital contacts for myself. CWN provides social events as well as informative talks by experts. It’s the perfect mix for busy women and I thoroughly recommend it!"

Clare Dobie - Director of Braxted Marketing Measures, President of CWN, 2008-2010

"CWN is a great mix. There are events that are serious, that cover topics that are new to me, and there are events that are fun. There are people from a range of sectors, some in the City, many not.There are also plenty of opportunities for collaboration and friendship."

Mei Sim Lai OBE - Founder, Lai Peters & Co

"I read about CWN in the FT in 1983 and decided to join as it seemed to be just the right organisation for me at the particular time in my career. I had then been a Partner at a leading medium-sized firm of Chartered Accountants for 4 years and needed to further develop my networking and business contacts and meet other senior and successful business and professional women. I served on the Special Events Committee, as Treasurer and as Chairman for 2 years from 1988 to 1990. Doing so really opened doors for me and several of my public and charity appointments that I have held and now hold can be traced back to the first appointment I got through CWN. Over the years I have greatly enjoyed the highly varied and interesting programme of events offered by CWN and I have made some very good friends and very useful business contacts through CWN."

Monica Fisher - Chairman, Children’s Hospices UK

"Working for an American Bank in the Square Mile back in the late 70's was a huge change from student and research life at university. Invited by a colleague to go an event at what became City Women’s Network was a welcome opportunity to meet other professional women in the city. There were so few of us around that you would not find many others in your own bank, legal or accountancy firm.

"Thirty years on, CWN continues to provide a friendly networking environment with the more social and educational events proving fun and informative. Personally, CWN has been key for me in providing the Non-Executive Director training and contacts to establish my portfolio career after 20 years in the city."

Ellen Cantor - Internal Communications Consultant

"I’ve been a member of City Women’s Network since 1979, afterI first read about it in a Sunday Times article on the ‘new fad’ of networking. As an American new to the UK, it seemed to me a likely way to meet people and make contacts. Almost immediately, I was given a ‘buddy’ who lived across the street; we became fast friends and that alone was worth the enquiry. I have had active and fallow periods of membership, but have made lasting contacts. I’ve gained and given work leads and learned a lot. I am now serving on the Membership Committee and as Communications Director and I really

am enjoying CWN more than ever.”