Business

First Minister Arlene Foster praises Northern Ireland's 'formidable business leaders'

First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the Women In Business Chairs' lunch with (from left) Jackie Henry (Deloitte), Roseann Kelly (WIB chief executive) and Imelda McMillan (chair of WIB and partner in O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors)
First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the Women In Business Chairs' lunch with (from left) Jackie Henry (Deloitte), Roseann Kelly (WIB chief executive) and Imelda McMillan (chair of WIB and partner in O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors) First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the Women In Business Chairs' lunch with (from left) Jackie Henry (Deloitte), Roseann Kelly (WIB chief executive) and Imelda McMillan (chair of WIB and partner in O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors)

MORE than 250 guests have attended the inaugural Women in Business Chairs' lunch at Titanic Belfast at which First Minister Arlene Foster praised the contribution "formidable female business leaders" make to the business world.

“Northern Ireland’s business women have a reputation for a hard work ethos and are a strong voice for success both locally, and in the global marketplace," she told guests.

And she said it was an "honour" to recognise the contribution women make to the economy, whether as business leaders, business people or in politics.

The Women in Business organisation promotes entrepreneurship and provides networking opportunities for business women to promote and grow their business.

The First Minister said: “I am proud that Northern Ireland has more than its fair share of formidable female business leaders who are successful role models across a range of sectors.

“I pay tribute to Women in Business for the role they play in inspiring women to realise their full potential.

"You recognise all that is good about being a woman in business in Northern Ireland and empower women to remain focused and determined to make a difference not only in the workplace but across society as a whole."

Women in Business chair Imelda McMillan stressed that the business case for gender diversity in Northern Ireland is clear.

She said: “Companies with more women in leadership posts simply perform better. Diversity delivers more profits, better decisions and solutions, improved productivity and ultimately increased share prices.

“This is what Women in Business is about – inclusive growth, not just through gender but also cultural diversity, and creating a new economy for everyone. We do this by supporting and encouraging women to achieve their ambitions in their business and careers.”

Roseann Kelly, the organisation's chief executive, said: “Communicating our organisation’s ethos, vision and ambitions, and the importance of inclusive growth to the Northern Ireland economy are messages that we will keep high on the agenda.”

As well as a platform for Women in Business to share details from its recently published manifesto and vision for the future of the local economy, the chair’s lunch was an opportunity for delegates to network, impart knowledge and expertise, and share successes and challenges.

Women in Business is the largest local network for female business leaders and entrepreneurs with a growing membership of more than 2,500, representing all industry sectors.