Bloom North Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Initiative to Empower Women and Under-Represented Groups in the North West

In an inspiring move to transform the creative and media landscape, Bloom North has convened 35 of the North West’s top leaders for its inaugural initiative, The Exchange. This landmark event aims to tackle the recruitment and retention of women and under- represented groups, driving collaborative change for a more inclusive industry.

Led by committee members Sadie Teasdale and Vivian Westwood, The Exchange brought together 35 of the region’s senior leaders to explore themes around recruiting, retaining and helping female and under-represented talent to rise into leadership roles.

Facilitated by Helen Davies, Claire Keegan (The Planning Department) and Kate Skivington, the groups were tasked with identifying ways to accelerate change and meaningfully impact the diversity of the region’s talent and accessibility of the industry to under-represented groups at every level.

Highlights of the discussions included recognition of the value of a shared regional-wide work experience initiative to open up the industry, the work left to do to better understand the ‘broken rungs’ of the career ladder for women in the industry and the importance of spotlighting the brilliant policies going on in some of the region’s agencies and businesses.

Key highlights from the event included the proposal of a regional-wide work experience initiative to broaden access to the industry, an urgent examination of the “broken rungs” affecting career advancement for women and the importance of spotlighting the brilliant work going on in some of the region’s agencies and businesses.

Reflecting on the discussions, Teasdale who co-leads the network’s mentoring programmes said: “The Exchange really showed how bringing together a cross industry collective can produce some thought provoking ideas to instigate meaningful change. Sharing a number of resources and actions, Bloom North are continuing the conversation by setting up a workstream featuring contributors from the session as well as delving deeper into our ‘retain’ thread.”

The discussions are continuing as part of Bloom North’s upcoming collaboration with The MPA at its event – Reclaiming the Pipeline: Why Women Leave and How to Keep Them.

Commenting on the initiative, Co-President Sarah Fleming said: “Action is at the heart of our 2024 agenda – not only ensuring we have the important conversations, but moving those discussions into change. The Exchange is one initiative we have used to help move the conversation around why there aren’t more females in leadership roles across our region. 3 projects: RECRUIT, RISE & RETAIN have subsequently been started, and we’re excited to see where these take us. The door is open for industry bodies, agencies and individuals who want to get involved.”

Bloom North has also recently announced the opening of the annual application process for the 2025 committee, as this year’s Co-Presidents Olivia Waite (Channel Factory) and Sarah Fleming (The Right + The Left) step down from their 2024 post.

These positions offer a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of Bloom North and contribute to empowering women in the communications industry.

Bloom North is a not-for-profit organisation and as part of its annual agenda selects a charity each year to support through our fundraising efforts. This year, we take immense pride in supporting the Miscarriage Association, a cause close to our hearts, in memory of the beloved media stalwart Paula Yeadon-Smith.

So far, we have raised an incredible £5,000 for the Miscarriage Association, and with the continued support of our community, we hope to raise even more by the end of the year. Paula’s legacy and the important work of the Miscarriage Association inspire our ongoing efforts, and we are determined to make a lasting impact for those affected by pregnancy loss.

For more information about how to get involved with any of the initiatives mentioned, or to register your interest for the committee, please get in touch with Sarah Fleming or Olivia Waite directly.

Source: Bloom North

  Agency, Bloom North, Non-Profit, UK