A Year of Empowerment and Progress for Bloom North

With 2024 behind us, Bloom North reflects on a year of significant growth and empowerment under the leadership of Co-Presidents Olivia Waite, Sales Director at Channel Factory, and Sarah Fleming, Founder of The Right & The Left. Their focus on career development, supporting wellness, and personal empowerment ensured the network’s initiatives supported women through all stages of life and career. By creating opportunities for connection and inclusivity, particularly for those who have felt disconnected or disenfranchised, Bloom North strengthened its role as a vital resource for women in the communications, media, and advertising industries.

The organisation delivered impactful initiatives that equipped women with the tools, skills, and networks to thrive both professionally and personally. Programmes such as the “Leading with Intention” workshop series encouraged participants to embrace authentic leadership, build confidence, and prioritise well-being. Topics such as setting boundaries and promoting collaboration were central, enabling women to honour their own leadership styles.

2024 was marked by numerous achievements aligned with Bloom North’s mission to empower and inspire. Thought-provoking panel discussions, including a collaboration with the MPA, challenged workplace norms, encouraging attendees to reject the harmful culture of overworking. Their sold-out comedy night introduced the organisation to new audiences. A workshop on children’s mental health provided parents with a safe and supportive space, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback and highlighting the value of such initiatives.

Additionally, Bloom North met its fundraising target for the Miscarriage Association, a cause chosen in memory of a colleague, Paula Yeadon Smith. This united the community in a deeply meaningful way, further demonstrating the organisation’s ability to combine advocacy with impactful action.

As 2025 begins, Bloom North welcomes its new Co-Presidents, Lucy Gugas, Head of Agency at Global, and Beth Sutherland, Programmatic Associate Director at EssenceMediacom. Together, they will build on the strong foundation established in 2024, steering the network towards even greater success.

The Recruit, Rise, Retain initiative, which launched in 2024 to address diversity and inclusion challenges in the media industry, will continue to be a key focus. It aims to drive progress by addressing recruitment, retention, and career progression within the sector. Discussions on the initiative will continue at Mad//UpNorth, taking place on 26–27 February at Aviva Studios. Joined by leading brands, Bloom North will spotlight practical strategies and case studies for creating a more inclusive and representative industry across the North.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Bloom North enters its new presidential year committed to empowering women and nurturing an inclusive community. The successes of 2024 are a testament to the impact of collaboration and leadership. Under its new leadership, the network looks forward to driving meaningful change and building a lasting legacy that champions women throughout the industry.

Source: Bloom North

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