Shell LiveWIREs

Shell LiveWIREs join unique meeting of British and Dutch businesswomen

The cream of Britain and Holland's female entrepreneurs took part in a one-off event about women and business at Shell Centre yesterday (11th November).

Source: Shell.com, News & Library 12/11/2004

'Women And Business In The 21st Century' saw 100 businesswomen, 50 from Britain and 50 from the Netherlands, joined in discussions by Jacqui Smith MP, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions, and Deputy Minister for Women and Equality.

Shell UK Chairman, James Smith with previous Shell LiveWIRE award-winners Shell UK Chairman, James Smith (pictured with previous Shell LiveWIRE award-winners, left to right, Caroline Cosgrove, Sophie Oliver, Alison Chow, and Jurgita Zilinskiene), introduced the discussions, which gave female entrepreneurs the chance to voice the difficulties they faced when starting up their own firms.

Organised by the Dutch Embassy, the event was also a trade mission, giving the Dutch and British businesswomen the chance to build potentially profitable links. Speeches by Jacqui Smith MP, and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade Karien van Gennip, kicked off the discussions on topics such as networking, CSR, and doing business abroad. James Smith, Shell UK Chairman, said: "A strong entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities for women are vital to the success of Shell, so it's a pleasure to host an event like this.

Businesswoman giving lectureWe have also been running Shell LiveWIRE, the support service for young entrepreneurs, for 22 years. This year 42% of the entries to the Shell LiveWIRE Awards came from women, and it's been great to welcome some female LiveWIRE alumni here today." Previous LiveWIRE Award-winners taking part included managing directors of fashion and gift store Coco Ribbon, baby shopping service Baby Concierge, and linguist agency Today Translation & Business Services.