We proudly supported 25 under-30s at the Women in Food & Farming networking event. It took place at Savills’ global headquarters in London in April. Laura Yates, our own under 30s account manager, joined Pinstone managing director Catherine at the event.
Over 50 delegates from various agri-food businesses attended the Pinstone-sponsored event. Christine Tacon CBE, organiser and chair of Red Tractor, hosted it.
We caught up with familiar faces from farming charity RABI and machinery giants Krone, both Pinstone clients.
We collaborated with MDS Ltd to feature RABI’s head of partnerships, Suzy Deeley, as a guest speaker. Suzy highlighted RABI’s role in supporting farming people with mental health challenges. Her talk sparked a thought-provoking discussion on collective action for effective change in farming communities.
Networking – escape your comfort zone
After Suzy’s presentation, we enjoyed an evening of networking. Pinstone MD Catherine welcomed the new under-30s, and shared insights into her own career forging a female-led PR agency.
She reflected on the progress in the agri-food and PR industries, recalling memories of standing before ‘a sea of grey suits’.
Catherine offered clear networking advice:
1. Start by sacking off who you came with tonight!
2. Push yourself out of your comfort zone to speak to at least two new people.
Her advice encouraged me to make new friends and seize the opportunity I have been given.
Inspiration from females in the agri-food sector
Two new Women in Food & Farming delegates shared their learnings from meeting fellow females in the agri-food industry.
Dannielle Roche, PhD researcher in Biostimulant Science and Engineering, Cranfield University
“I attended the event thanks to Pinstone’s help in covering the cost of my ticket,” Dannielle explains.
“As an early career researcher in soil science, it was a fantastic way to network and be inspired by women’s careers in food and farming.”
“I look forward to engaging with the network online and at future sessions,” she adds.
Heidi Phillips, MSc student in Future Food Sustainability, Cranfield University
“During the event, I met women with varied experiences, from veterans to newcomers. It was humbling,” notes Heidi.
“Our industry has always seemed male dominated. Boy, were they wrong.
“Meeting these women felt new, exciting and right,” she says. “Conversations opened my eyes to new spaces within the industry.”
Heidi concludes: “I urge any female in the industry to attend a Women in Food & Farming event. You’ll leave motivated to explore new avenues with a new wealth of connections.”
