THIS Thursday's annual Women in Business conference in Belfast - which features Fujitsu’s Regina Moran, presenter, writer and comedian Timandra Harkness and Economy Minister Simon Hamilton - will take a sharp twist with a 'men-only' session on diversity.
The panel discussion, chaired by PR consultant Joris Minne, features CBI chair David Gavaghan, Gilbert Ash boss Ray Hutchinson and John Healy of All-State.
“The buzz word in corporate circles is 'diversity', and while not everyone is convinced by the need to create a diverse and inclusive work force from top to bottom of the organisation, everyone agrees it is a hot topic,” says Minne.
“So what we really need is to sit down with a bunch of white middle aged men in suits, explore the subject and see if in fact, the support is where it’s most needed, the establishment.”
Imelda McMillan, chair of Women in Business, says Thursday's conference in Belfast's Ramada Plaza Hotel, sponsored by Fujistu, will focus on business flexibility and the ability of organisations to prepare for the future.
“At a time when a post-Brexit future seems blurred, we need to start taking stock of how best to prepare for the unpredictable," she said.
"The speakers at this conference will not have all the answers but they will provoke a series of ideas and thoughts which we believe will help businesses think creatively for the future.”
