Face Businesswomen armed with knowledge about the forces

Businesswomen from across Coventry and Warwickshire have been given an insight into the rewarding role of serving in the armed forces reserves by two inspirational female speakers.

Anna said: “The recruitment process was a challenging yet rewarding experience, but I overcame personal and professional barriers to become a part of a prestigious organisation.

“Completing my training was a moment of pride for both myself and my friends and family who supported me throughout the process.

“The skills and experience gained as a reservist are highly transferable and can help professional development in various industries. My children have also learnt the value of perseverance and the value of pursuing their passions, and they have seen the rewards that come from hard work and dedication.

“I hope that by sharing my story I can inspire other women and young professionals to consider a reservist role in the Royal Air Force and discover the incredible growth it can offer.”

Cat Suckling, Regional Employer Engagement Director at West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, also spoke to delegates at the event, and discussed how working in defence is changing and how more women are joining the forces.

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged take a leaf out of the book of the ‘face of space’ and be more creative, innovative and inspirational.

Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, a scientist and broadcaster who presents the world-famous The Sky at Night on the BBC, was the keynote speaker at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s BIG Business Lunch at the IXL Events Centre.

The event attracted more than 200 business people who enjoyed a two-course lunch and, after hearing from Chamber chief executive Corin Crane and IXL Events Centre’s Atul Lakhani, were treated to a whistle-stop tour of Dr Aderin-Pocock’s life and the inspirations behind her career.

She spoke about how everything from Star Trek to Gladys West set her on a path that would lead her to presenting one of the most popular TV shows as well becoming an awardwinning author, despite having dyslexia.

Dr Aderin-Pocock said it was vital to encourage more people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM roles and that it was important to provide role models and relevance to young people.

“The time is now,” she said. “We are all responsible for supporting and creating the workforce of the future.

“I am living proof that even the craziest dreams can come true. We need to be role models, be relevant to young people and also tap into that sense of wonder.

“STEM needs to be much more diverse and it’s important that we show how rewarding working in science can be.”

Crane said Coventry and Warwickshire was at the heart of innovation.

He said: “It doesn’t matter what business you are in or what you do for a living, we all have to be creative and innovative because if you stand still you get left behind.

“This region has always been at the forefront of invention and innovation and that remains the case.

She spoke about the benefits of becoming a reservist, how those who have served in the armed forces can be valuable assets to businesses, and how businesses can support those within the armed forces by signing the Armed Forced Covenant.

The Covenant, which has been signed by the Chamber, is a promise to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

Keely Hancox, head of operations at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to come together to celebrate women from across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“We heard from some incredibly inspiring speakers who gave an insight into their lives serving in the reserved armed forces, all while juggling their careers and family life.

“We are very proud to have signed the Armed Forced Covenant and would like to thank West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for sponsoring the event.”

“I only have to look at what’s happening at our universities, at the MTC, at Horiba MIRA, and within our incredible business community to know that we are still at the cutting edge of world class technology and innovation.

“My big takeaway from Dr Aderin-Pocock’s speech is that we have to keep talking about that and keep inspiring the next generation of innovators from all backgrounds to make sure we continue to be such an inspiring place to do business.”

The BIG Business Lunch was supported by West Midlands Trains and