With such focus in the utilities industry about a lack of women in senior roles, it’s great to see someone finally doing something about it. Angela Peart, Managing Director of recruitment company Utility People has joined forces with five incredibly successful women in the energy and utilities industry (Rebecca Sedler – EDF, Angie Needle – British Gas, Joanne Thornton – Hudson Energy, Hayley Monks -Think, Inspire and Create and Jo Butlin – EnergyBridge) to set up WUN (Women’s Utility Network).
On 25th January the ladies launched their first networking event in which 40 women from all different roles and experiences in the sector came together. The purpose of this first event was to give everyone the opportunity to discuss what it is they really need to build a career in this sector, so that WUN can design future events, mentoring schemes and offer practical support to meet those needs.
WUN’s launch was a huge success, with the group splitting into smaller focus groups, giving everyone a chance to share their experiences. Rhian Davies, Account Manager from SSE commented “I am so pleased I came to the event I really didn’t know what to expect and I have been pleasantly surprised. It’s great to have so many people in one room who really want to support each other and I’m excited about future events.”
Founder Angela Peart remarked “I am truly overwhelmed by the support we have had to set up the WUN Network, so many men and women in the industry see there is gap and want to help to do something about it, and the WUN Network is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Thank you so much to our generous sponsors Gentrack, Engage, OneSelect and Green Star who are all passionate about diversity in the workplace, and we look forward to their input at future events. We really hope to see even more women join our WUN network on LinkedIn so that we can support the growth of their career in the Industry.”
