First Marie Claire @WORK Conference Launches In Association With NatWest

First ever conference was a major success

Marie Claire's first ever @WORK conference launched last Friday, May 10, at 250 Bishopsgate, City of London, in association with NatWest.

The sold-out event brought together readers and high-profile businesswomen. Attendees were able to gain careers advice and find out how to build their confidence, either in the world of work or with starting their own business.

This year’s keynote speaker was Jo Malone MBE, who was joined by a panel of industry experts, including Kanya King MBE, Laura Kuenssberg, Dawn O’Porter and Heather Jackson, who debated the theme ‘Glass ceiling or sticky floor’ chaired by journalist Zoe Williams. Marie Claire’s publishing director Justine Southall and editor-in-chief Trish Halpin also presented.

The workshops and seminars for the day included:

• ‘The secret to success’, by career coach Sharron Lowe • ‘How to start a business’, presented by Anne McPherson • ‘How to make the most of your online profile’, shared by LinkedIn • ‘Why networks are important and how to build yours’, by Justine Southall • Beauty at work Q&A sessions, ‘10 rules of beauty at work’, hosted by our beauty director Lisa Oxenham and her team • ‘Fashion at work’, presented by our fashion editors Lucia Debieux and Holly Welch

Speaking at the conference, Jo Malone MBE said: 'It’s been a really great experience to be at Marie Claire @WORK Conference, to be surrounded by women that want to work, want to build their business and take things to the next level.'

Marie Claire's publishing director Justine Southall said: 'We are really excited to add another experiential element to our Marie Claire @WORK franchise. This will further deepen our relationship with our readers on the day and through the Marie Claire @WORK channel on marieclaire.co.uk.

'The mix of inspiring speakers, seminars and workshops delivered the range that our career focused working readers requested.'

Andi Keeling, director for Women’s Markets at NatWest and RBS, said: 'How to address the low confidence women routinely feel at work was a key issue raised during this conference.

'NatWest and RBS are trying to address this as the only bank with accredited business banking staff who can provide support to women start-ups and entrepreneurs from the first loan to bespoke advice, business planning and networking.

'We also want to encourage the debate about getting more women into senior roles within organisations and creating a more diverse workplace.

'We are delighted to have worked with Marie Claire to put on a fantastic conference and offer women a chance to hear from other inspiring women and pick up valuable skills. Hopefully it will have given women the belief that they can set up their own businesses or drive their career forward.'

APPLY FOR INSPIRE & MENTOR 2013

LATEST MC@WORK