Spring networking event for women's group

A networking group aimed specifically at women working in the food, agriculture and land-based industries has launched a programme of events for 2019.

Founded by Groceries Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon and supported by recruitment specialist MorePeople, the ‘Women in Food and Farming’ group is holding a spring networking evening in London on Wednesday 3April.

The group started in 2011 with just five women, and has now grown to over 380 active members with a remit to provide regular networking opportunities for making new contacts and sharing experiences; mentoring and advice to support members and learn from each other; and presentations from key players in the industry to raise awareness on current topics, promote the sector and aid career development.

Tacon explained: “We are a group of professional women involved in food and agriculture, all at various stages in our careers, who get together throughout the year to discuss issues that affect us all, support each other where possible and build up a network of useful contacts.”

“Our network is always open to new members who share our passion for the industry and are keen to network with like-minded women.”

MorePeople is supporting the network by managing the membership, organising and facilitating events. Its marketing manager Claire Smith explained: “The Women in Food and Farming group is free to join with a small charge to attend the events. A key motivation for us is to help promote the sectors that we represent and actively encourage others into the industry, whether as a first job role or as a change of career path.

“The group provides positive role models and helps to highlight the opportunities that exist across what is a very diverse industry. At our Spring networking event, for example, we have the food and coffee director for Pret and head of rural research for Savills lined up to speak, which should create some very interesting discussions.”

Tickets to the spring event are available here. Further events include a summer networking dinner on 2July in London and an autumn networking evening on 6November.