Celebrating the B4 community on International Women’s Day

“We have showcased in this series of articles some absolutely amazing women in the B4 community who have all achieved and continue to achieve incredible things in their personal and business lives. I wanted to personally highlight the following who have helped me and B4 in their own way, but there are so many more.

“Jo Stevens at Oxford Innovation Space has been a long-term supporter of everything we do at B4 but I have huge admiration for the work she is doing for BHF as Chair of the BHF ‘Heart of Oxford’ Business Board having suffered such personal tragedy in her life.

“Kate Parrinder, Nikki Gracey, Emmy O’Shaughnessy, Gemma Sills and Susannah Hobbs, thank you for the immense support in ensuring Raise’24 was such a success and to Harriet English, Sabiene North, Lauren Kendall, Ann Averne, Liza Clothier, Sinead Simmons and Amy Hannagan for their support in the lead up to and on the day of the event in December.

“To the people who help holding some amazing events so much easier including Isabelle Barber at Rhodes House who has been a long-term supporter of B4 events over the years, more than ably supported by Lizzie Dale. Thank you to Bronwyn Friedemann at Keble College for your generosity, patience, warmth and support – it is much appreciated. Emma Rogers at Blenheim Palace cannot be thanked enough for her role played in establishing the B4 Platinum Breakfasts as such an in-demand series of events and also the support she is providing in setting up the Oxfordshire Business Summit. Thank you also to Heather Carter at Blenheim for so graciously supporting all that we do with you and giving B4 Members such incredible access to the Palace.

“To our CEO Circle members including Jo Stevens and the amazing Liz Nicholson who has already received plenty of well deserved comments in this series of articles, to Alison Haill who has been instrumental in setting up the CEO Circle and supportive of me personally for well over ten years and to Kirsty Colquhoun at Blenheim, Charlotte Harris at Nicholsons and Tracey Freeman at Blake Morgan for helping to co-ordinate some very ‘hard to co-ordinate’ diaries!

“To those that have or are supporting B4 in the business over the years. Lorna Waterfield was my right hand for many years – Alex and the team at XIST2 are very lucky to have her. Victoria Charnley gave her heart and soul to B4 Shropshire and although it wasn’t ultimately meant to be, I couldn’t be prouder of her dedication and application in trying to make it a success, thank you Vicks! Sophie Wood is a wonderful asset to the B4 team as she handles our Membership contracts, but I also want to thank Jennifer Williams who has been invaluable in ensuring I have had the support of Sophie and those before her as part of the team. Thank you also Charlotte Windmill – as strong as they come!

“I would also like to recognise Eleanor Langford and Laura Koscielska who have been working with me to create a report on B4’s future development as part of

The University of Oxford’s Future Leaders Innovation Programme. I’ve been really impressed with your professionalism and dedication and can’t wait to see the report. Thank you also to Tilly Redman Isha Lakhani of Oxford Brookes who are supporting OBS2025 to ensure our delegates have the best experience possible. Thank you for your ideas, initiative and passion for the event and we look forward to working with you and your colleagues in May. It’s fantastic to see the next generation of women in business already thriving.

“To close, I can’t sign off without mentioning four very special ladies in my life. First off, I’m very proud of my sister, Debbie Newbold, who has embraced her new role at London Oxford Airport brilliantly. As a mum of three she impressively combines work and personal life with a smile on her face and love and dedication for her job! Well done Deb!

“My daughter Abi, Lettings Manager at Martin & Co, never ceases to amaze me with her confidence, knowledge of a complex business, the relationships she builds with her clients and the new skills she is developing such as video presentation. Last month she played a significant role in helping Martin and Co secure 2^nd place in the table of local agents for lets agreed. Very proud of you Abi!

“Mum is our hidden treasure. She loves working for B4 – at least that’s what she tells me! – and we couldn’t be luckier to have her on the team. Mum really enjoys coming to the events and it’s great to see her get on so well with the other Members. She’s had a tough year but she’s always smiling and has incredible strength, without ever complaining and is a real inspiration to me, family and friends every day. As strong women go, you won’t find anyone more resilient than mum.

“And finally, Tina. For the members reading this the majority will know her as our Events Manager who makes sure every B4 event runs smoothly, from meticulous attention to detail to creating impressive centrepieces for our Platinum Dinners such as the witches which towered over the tables in the saloon at Blenheim Palace last year. But it’s at the weekend where another Tina emerges as a highly skilled and respected dog groomer. She won’t thank me for this because the last time I posted on LinkedIn she gained eight new clients! She spends hours making sure her owners walk away unbelievably chuffed at their transformed pooches and whilst the work is incredibly physical, she loves every minute. I’m incredibly proud of you Tina.

“That’s it for this year’s IWD. Thank you to everyone who contributed quotes themselves or on behalf of others. Let’s make sure the women in your life are celebrated every day not just today.”