CWN is one of the longest-standing women’s networks in the UK. From its intentional beginnings, today CWN remains committed to providing a secure, collegial environment where our members can grow their professional networks and allies and succeed through collaboration.

International Women's Day Event: A Focus on Domestic Abuse with Woman's Trust

Thank you to all who came to our event on 7th March 2023 at The Royal Institution to celebrate International Women's day. We have received some wonderful feedback about the night. Thank you to Jessica Ramudo (Woman's Trust), Lesley Sackey (Fight Forward) and Danielle Bridge (ABC Life Support and Black Minds Matter) for their empowering and uplifting speeches, sharing their stories and addressing the sensitive subject of domestic abuse. What a joy to be in a room surrounded by so many strong and inspiring women. At this event we also officially launched our new charity partnership with Woman's Trust and we’re delighted to have raised over £450 for them, thanks to the generous contributions from our attendees. We are looking forward to sharing more in the near future about how you can further support them in other ways.

CWN Supper Club in Collaboration with The Conduit 

CWN's Supper Club in collaboration with The Conduit in February 2023 was a wonderful event with CWN members and The Conduit Club Members.  It was focussed around a discussion on "Health: we all have it so why don't we talk about it?"  What a fantastic way to network with members of the Conduit Cub and learn some valuable insights.  Attendees explored the stigma of talking about health and the opportunities that might arise in and out of the workplace if we tackle this taboo. 

The event was be hosted by Charlotte Wiseman with speakers, Yvette Forrester, President of City Women Network and Janet Lyndsay, Wellbeing of Women.

Financial Wellbeing in Uncertain Times 

CWN's event in collaboration with Royal Bank of Canada on "Financial Wellbeing in Uncertain Times" took place on Tuesday 31st January 2023.  It was great to see so many familiar faces as well as new ones too!  

The event was a panel event with an interactive Q&A element, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Thank you again to our panel, Sam Secomb (Women's Wealth), Nicky Barclay (Finura) and Prue Thompson (RBC). 

CWN 2022 Autumn Supper Club

Nicky Barclay, who is on the CWN Events Strategy Committee hosted another wonderful Supper Club evening at the home of Lawyer turned Chef, Claudia Stachelhaus.  The evening started with drinks and canapes before being seated for a delicious seasonal three-course meal.  The ingredients Claudia uses are locally sourced; fish comes from Steve Hatt, meat from McKenna Meat with fruit and vegetables from the stalls at Chapel Market.  

CWN Autumn Drinks 2022

Thank you to all who came to CWN's 2022 Autumn Drinks event at The Hoxton in Southwark, which was a huge success.  The atmosphere was buzzing with great conversation, smiles and  fun.  Our President, Yvette Forrester, made a speech where she looked back over this year's achievements, including celebrating CWN Member, Vanda Green's, 35 years of membership and also reflecting on the sad passing of Brenda Trenowden who was CWN President from 2013 - 2015. 

Thank you to everyone who kindly donated for last night's hamper giveaway, we raised over £400 for our charity partner, Wellbeing of Women.  This now brings the grand total to just over £16,000.  If you wanted to donate and didn't get a chance to last night, you can do so directly through the Wellbeing of Women website by clicking here.

CWN collaborate with Sidley Austin LLP

On 20th October, CWN collaborated with Sidley Austin to host renowned speaker, Debbie Epstein Henry, shared her thoughts in an interactive session on "how to make your ask a give".  Lively networking followed the discussion, giving guests the chance to try out their new skills.  

Many believe they are great at building relationships but when it comes time to make an “ask", whatever that ask may be, they often fall short. Not being able to ask for that opportunity or introduction, or ask to represent a client, go on a pitch or be considered for a promotion, leadership role or increased compensation, can significantly impede your success.

Debbie took us through how to master the art of the ask, whether in-person, hybrid or virtual. The trick? Listen and get to know a person’s needs, interests and challenges. Rather than frame your ask as a favour, we learn how you can be a resource.  Attendees left  armed with action steps and inspiration to provide value while learning to ask for what will propel their, as well as their colleagues’ and clients’ , careers forward.

CWN Members find out what sort of leader they at RADA Workshop

On 12th October 2022 CWN collaborated with RADA Business to run a masterclass on 'embodying leadership', skilfully led by Sheelagh McNamara at RADA Studios in Bloomsbury, and was a fascinating insight into how to adapt your leadership style.

In this practical masterclass, participants had the opportunity to explore what type of leader they were and the type of leader they could become.  By examining the three tools of communication – the body, breath and voice - participants learnt techniques to come across with greater authority, impact and influence. They explored how it felt to embody different leadership characteristics, and will built skills to flex between these characteristics as required by a given situation, audience or challenge. 

The event was followed by a networking session over drinks and canapes. Many of you who attended commented on how delicious the canapes were, which were from Pocket Rocket.

If you're interested in finding out more about the various courses offered by RADA Business, please click here.

Kicking off the Autumn Events season with a Super Supper Club!

A wonderful ambiance, delicious food and quality networking is what CWN Supper Clubs are all about.  Our first event of the Autumn Events season was an intimate  Supper Club in the beautiful private room at The Riding House Cafe, Fitzrovia.  "The Stables" room has a wonderfully quirky and rustic interior, which sets it apart from many other private rooms.

This time, the menu was a little different as it was a feasting menu where all dishes were sharing dishes including delights such as Mechoui lamb with bulgur wheat, crispy chickpeas and coriander salsa, Salt cod fritters with citrus mayo and Hot brioche doughnuts with milk jam. 

If you would like to join us at our next Supper Club, which is on 30th November, you can register now on our events page.  These events offer a fantastic opportunity to meet other CWN members. 

Angel Investing Event at Haysmcintyre

On 22nd June, Angel investors and CWN members Melissa Longley and Galina Markova – who are both passionate about investing in female business founders were joined by Sarah Turner, the CEO and co-founder of Angel Academe, an award-winning angel investing network.  

Despite the train strikes, the event was still a great success and, all thanks to Haysmcintyre, who hosted and sponsored the event. Haysmacintyre are sponsors to Angel Academe.  

The evening was centered around an informative and enlightening debate all about Angel Investing; why it is important and how you can get involved.  This was followed by a Q&A session and then some quality networking time.

Another wonderful CWN Supper Club!

Members and Prospective Members enjoyed another wonderful evening at The White Room Supper Club on Thursday 9th June.  Hosted by Chef, Claudia Stachelhaus, her beautiful space allowed some wonderful conversations and the chance to get to know more members. 

Guests enjoyed a delicious summer time menu including amazing dishes such as Asparagus Risotto, Kohlrabi Schnitzel and Elderflower Panna Cotta to name a few. 

This type of event has proved so successful that we are looking to book another one in the Autumn.  Keep checking the events section of the website for updates.

CWN's collaboration event wth King's Business School is a huge success! 

Our collaboration event with King's Business School, Female Leadership and the Power of Empathy, on 10th May was a fabulous evening of insightful and fascinating discussion topped off with some quality networking and delicious drinks and canapes.  

Panelists included Rita Kakati-Shah.  Rita is a King's alumna and CEO of UMA. Rita has a new book The Goddess of Go Getting, which launched on 8th March, International Women's Day.  We were also joined by Dr Madeleine Wyatt, King's Business School Reader in Diversity and Inclusion and specialises in Human Resource Management subjects.  Rita and Madeleine were be joined by CWN Member, Geraldine Gallacher. Geraldine is CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy which she started in 1994 and now has over 60 coaches internationally serving a wide range of industries. Geraldine speaks regularly on the subject of "More women at the top" and "The Future of Gender Diversity" and is a great believer in the benefit of diverse teams.

If you would like any more information about the event, please contact Robyn on the Events Strategy Team directly.

CWN's first Member's Supper Club on 4th May is a fabulous edition to the CWN calendar! 

The Events Strategy Committee wanted to offer an evening of exceptional food with intimate networking and we are pleased to say the White Room Supper Club hosted by Pro Chef Claudia Stachelhaus fit the bill!  The event has proved so popular, we are having another one on 9th June so please do check out the events section of the website for more details and to register your spot. as places are limited.  

If you would like any more information about the event, please contact Robyn on the Events Strategy Team directly.

CWN AGM - New Board announced for 2022-2023

At our Annual General Meeting on 30 March 2022, our new Board for 2022-2023 was announced. Congratulations to all those continuing in their roles and to all newly elected board members. To read about our Board members please click here.

CWN Celebrates their first in-person event of 2022!

CWN marked International Women's Day 2022 with a fantastic event kindly hosted by Sidley Austin LLP which gave us a real treat with their fantastic views of the city.

We had two fascinating speakers, Helen Beedham and Charlotte Wiseman who spoke about the opportunities and the challenges that hybrid working might present.  For example, might we see a 2-tier workforce emerging?  Could that hinder the diversity agenda? Our Co-Chair of the Inclusion and Belonging committee at CWN, Yvette Forrester  moderated the lively conversation to mark our first in person event of 2022. 

After the talk, which was delightfully interactive, participants had the chance to network over delicious canapes and fizz kindly provided by Sidley Austin LLP... what a fabulous event!