Ecotone UK is B Corp and CarbonNeutral certified and, either directly or through its subsidiaries, accredited by or a member of a range of industry bodies and associations including; the Fairtrade Foundation; the Soil Association; the UK Tea & Infusions Association, and the Organic Trade Board. This year, Ecotone UK was certified as a Great Place to Work™ and a UK Best Workplace for Women™ .
Always close to the countryside, I had an idyllic childhood with my two siblings. We always grew our own fruit and vegetables and I learned a lot about quality food, cooking from scratch and not wasting food from a young age.
I started my career in music which is something I always had a passion for. After doing this for a couple of years followed by a stint in the city, I decided to move closer to home. Many peers said I would be the ‘perfect fit for HR’, but I kept closing my ears to the possibility.
Instead I landed a job with a large pharmaceutical company. My dual role was supporting the regulatory and HR functions. Regulatory definitely wasn’t for me and I loved the world of HR – especially because I had two inspiring mentors – so I moved into this.
My passion for music hasn’t diminished, nor has my love and enthusiasm for food. Since joining Ecotone UK, I have continuously learned about biodiversity and responsible food choices. I now operate as HR Director to an incredible team. Working for Ecotone reinforces my belief that eating good food can make a world of difference to my health and the planet.
No, never – although I did follow my passion for music. Despite enjoying my administrative role at the Royal Opera House, I became disillusioned with the commute and decided to find a role nearer to home.
Thanks to my employer at the time of venturing into HR, I gained my CIPD and moved through the organisational structure to be head of HR – finding I really had a passion for people.
I love my career in HR as I have a new challenge every day. I’ve continued to learn, grow and develop. I never thought I’d become an HR Director – but here I am, and I’m loving it!
The transition from the Arts into a different industry sector was hard. At that time many people were very blinkered and believed that someone from the creative sector would be unable to cope or manage in a multinational company.
At times in my career, I have been the only woman on management teams. Whilst I’ve never faced any overt discrimination, there were times when my voice was not heard. This is another reason I love working in HR, because you can ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
On a personal level, during my childhood I recovered from a very serious, unexpected illness that left me hospitalised. Three weeks later I sat my A Levels and passed with grades that were way above my expectations.
On a business level, it’s looking at the UK office-based team at our site in Camberley, knowing that I’ve had a hand in recruiting everyone – all 90 employees!
Being true to myself and my values. I always make sure I treat everyone with the same level of fairness, no matter their role or background.
In HR it’s important to spot those who have an incredible amount to offer, but for whatever reason may not be so visible in the business, then encouraging them to gain confidence. As a result of that we’ve been very successful in giving colleagues different opportunities to learn and grow.
Mentoring is a brilliant way of encouraging people to believe in themselves and become more than they ever thought possible. I’m very open to reverse mentoring, finding new solutions and being creative. I’m not an active mentor at the moment. However, through a partnership with the charity, MyBigCareer, the team at Ecotone UK are looking to become coaches and mentors for local students who struggle with social mobility.
This may be an eccentric idea, but if every company (large or small), could devote one whole month to let their top women lead the organisation, it would be a very interesting exercise. Not only would this inspire women across the business, but it would encourage a cultural and behavioural shift and boost diversity of thought.
Believe in yourself: know that people will look to you for advice and support as they value your pragmatic and practical solutions.
My next challenge is finding time to take a staycation!
After that I’d like to increase the amount of time I spend coaching local school children and volunteering with some local biodiversity projects.
May
13may10:0011:00Breaking the Silence | Menopause & Mental Health at Work
13/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
Menopause can have a profound impact on mental health and yet it’s often misunderstood, overlooked, or ignored in the workplace. This session is designed to help managers,
You’ll gain:
A clearer understanding of how menopause can affect mental health in the workplace
Confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling
A simple, effective approach to starting supportive wellbeing conversations
Date: Tuesday 13th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free