#Newsroom: Savvitas Natwest: Launch of the UK Economic Blueprint for Women White Paper

Created with the input of 400 business women from across the UK.

TheLaunch of the UK Economic Blueprint for Women White Paper White Paper from Savvitas NatWest makes practical and achievable recommendations for Government and for private and third sector organisations, with ideas gained from women businessowners during a national Economic Blueprint (EB) Roadshow supported by NatWest.

Savvitas celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week #GEW2020 with the publication of this groundbreaking White Paper from Savvitas NatWest ‘Leveraging Opportunity for UK Female Entrepreneurship.’

The launch took place online on Wednesday 18th November 2020, the Diversity & Inclusion day of Global Entrepreneurship Week, with entrepreneurs and women business owners from throughout the UK, along with parliamentarians, business professionals and academics.

Speakers and participants included:
The Earl of Erroll, Cross Bench Peer & Technology Entrepreneur; Craig Tracey MP, Chairman The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women & Enterprise; Helene Martin Gee, Savvitas Founder & CEO, Entrepreneur, Investor and Parliamentary Adviser; Jill Pay, Chairman Pink Shoe Senate, Former Sergeant at Arms UK Parliament; Brenda King MBE, CEO ACDiversity, previously European Economic & Social Committee; Julie Baker, Head of Enterprise and Community Finance at NatWest Group; Yvonne Greeves, Director of Women in Business NatWest Group; and Sue Lawton MBE, Global expert on Women’s Economic Empowerment, UN High Level Panel.

There is growing body of evidence that the pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on women, including recent research from the IMF and the World Bank, the so-called ‘pink recession’. It’s vital that every step is taken to encourage and support the UK’s women business owners.

Delegates joined informal discussions and knowledge-sharing to promote the recommendations and encourage the growth of women’s enterprise.

The UK Economic Blueprint for Women White Paper (EB White Paper) is helping to create the conditions for women-owned/led businesses to gain a fairer share of business opportunities and contracts nationally, with a focus on helping women to scale up their businesses.

Access the Executive Summary and full White Paper here: www.savvitas.com/economic-blueprint

COMMENTS

Craig Tracey MP said: “As chairman of the Women and Enterprise All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPGWE) and an active MP in my North Warwickshire constituency, I recognise the vital contribution that women business owners make to the economy and their communities. More progress to improve opportunity for women’s enterprise offers huge potential for the nation’s future prosperity. I welcome this White Paper, which builds on the work of the Rose Review and the APPGWE Report ‘The Future of Female Entrepreneurship: Pathways to Progress’ we published in 2019.”

The Earl of Erroll said: “The Savvitas NatWest White Paper comes directly from British women business owners. Its recommendations create an opportunity for Parliamentarians of all parties to understand what female founders need. I am especially keen on the proposal to embed entrepreneurial education into the curriculum at all stages.”

Helene Martin Gee, Founder of the initiative said: “Despite current challenges we’re seeing a growth in female enterprise and wider recognition of our valuable contribution to the economy. As Savvitas collaborates with its partners to continue to promote and support female enterprise, I hope the recommendations in this White Paper, gathered directly from UK business women, will stimulate progress throughout the whole country.”

With thanks to NatWest for their support of the National Roadshow that enabled Savvitas (formerly Pink Shoe Club) to gather ideas for this White Paper from 400 local women business-owners at events in Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London and online.

Savvitas is proud to be the delivery partner. With its team of 100 volunteers, Team EB, it is using advocacy and influence to seek policy and economic solutions to improve opportunities for women-led businesses.

Savvitas, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA UK.

www.savvitas.com

Contacts:
Lyndon Gee: lyndongee@btinternet.com
Noreen Cesareo: communications@marketaccents.com

SAVVITAS

Established following thirteen years of the Pink Shoe business women’s network. Savvitas enjoys an international presence and carries out vital work in women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.

With the burgeoning new normal, we’re seeing a revolution in the world of work. Savvitas and Pink Shoe are poised to support and encourage this new age of leadership and enterprise.

The inspiring Pink Shoe ambassadors and members remain at the heart of all we do while the Pink Shoe philosophy of Recognition; Development; Ethics and Inclusion is at the centre of the new brand Savvitas. Please visit www.savvitas.com and www.pinkshoeclub.com for more information.

Noreen Cesareo shortlisted for the UK’s Largest Diversity Awards 2020

Noreen Cesareo shortlisted for the NDA Positive Role Model GenderNoreen Cesareo, Principal at Market Accents has been shortlisted for the Positive Role Model, Gender category at the National Diversity Awards 2020.

A record breaking 64,000 people nominated this year alone and the results are finally in for the National Diversity Awards (NDA), with an astonishing 126 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide. Community organisations and role models from across the UK will head to the breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 26th February 2021 to witness the country’s 2020 winners being crowned the best of British diversity. Among those being honoured are charities, campaigners and activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in very different ways.

Noreen, shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Award, Gender for her work in women’s economic empowerment and girls education said, “This was a surprise announcement as although I have been working in this field for quite a while, I, like many others, tend to take our work as a given, part of leaving the world in a better place than we found it. I am passionate about what I do, and what we have achieved, but there is so much more to be done. I see this shortlist as an acknowledgement of this work and will  hopefully use it as a platform to reach out in many other areas.’

Nielsen, Direct Line Group and The Open University have recently been announced as sponsors of the pioneering awards that have paid tribute to over 800 grass root groups and diversity champions since its inception. ITV News are also listed amongst a host of companies showcasing their support to recognising diverse talent, providing a platform to our unsung heroes.

Rachel Corp, Acting Editor, ITV News said: “We are pleased that ITV News will once again be supporting the National Diversity Awards. ITV News remains committed to telling the stories of those, who through their work and dedication to helping others have made a difference; enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in our society. We look forward to introducing the 2020 nominees to our viewers across the regions and nation.”

Designed to highlight the country’s most inspirational and selfless people, the NDA’s continue to gain endorsements from high profile figures such as Sir Lenny Henry CBE and Graham Norton. Activist Katie Piper, Presenters Alex Brooker & Ade Adepitan MBE and Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano were on this year’s judging panel, dedicating their time to help choose the highly anticipated shortlist.

Actress and comedian Sally Phillips will take centre stage on 26th February as the official host of this year’s ceremony. Sally said, “This year has presented historic challenges for everyone but with them we have also seen extraordinary and heroic achievements of people fighting to keep some of our most vulnerable communities supported. We need a spotlight on our communities, need, human rights and care for those on the outside like never before. We need to meet, exchange ideas and resources and pool skills more urgently than ever. I am ever-grateful for the NDA network and couldn’t be prouder to be returning to their tremendous awards as host for a second time. See you there?”

Previous winners include actor Warwick Davis, men’s mental health charity Andys Man Club and reformed breast cancer survivor Codilia Gapare. Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards added, “During difficult and challenging times, it is now more important than ever to recognise our countries true role models. The nation has embraced the diversity of our country and exceeded every other year by submitting a record breaking 64,000 nominations and votes. Let me reiterate that creating this shortlist was no easy task. The profound impact made by all our nominees is astonishing, and I feel personally encouraged to know that so many lives are being changed for the better due to the many causes being championed by all of you. After weeks of deliberating and thousands of heartfelt testimonials later, I am delighted to finally present to you the best of British Diversity. Congratulations to all of our shortlisted nominees, it is an honour to recognise your fearlessness, resilience and humanitarian efforts with the rest of the world. Let’s continue the fight for justice, unity and equality for all”.

To view a full list of nominees please visit www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/shortlist

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