Women in Convenience: what it’s like being on a supplier panel

What do you get out of being on a supplier panel?

I really wanted to achieve something by being part of a supplier panel. It’s all about gaining insights into shopper behaviour patterns, which helps make business predictions as a result. I think I can make a contribution to this and there’s lots to learn.

What is the process and expectation of being on a panel?

I wasn’t expecting to get asked, but I just got a call if I’d like to join. I hadn’t applied or spoken to anyone, and was offered a seat. I was really nervous ahead of the first meeting, but it went really well. The conversation was mostly an open discussion which made feel at ease and able to make contributions. We are there to bring knowledge to a huge company which I believe in.

What advice do you have for encouraging more women to get involved in supplier panels?

I am the first woman to be asked, in the past it’s always been men. I think as a female I can bring a totally different perspective as my experiences are different. We can be more aware what families want because we have conversations with parents, which feeds into what the wider communities might want. It’s also really nice to feel like Unilever trusts and values our contributions and advice.

In general, there is far more of a focus on women in the sector now. The ACS does a fantastic job, as does Newtrade Media’s Women in Convenience initiative.

These are collective voices making an impression, and businesses are now finally seeing the value in making sure women are included in the field.

What do you get out of being involved in the Fed?

Being involved helps me create better and stronger relationships with suppliers, allows me to be the wider voice of independent retailers and represent them at a higher level in order to enact change. It also allows me to meet more females working in the sector.

What is the process and expectation?

The process itself is quite confidential, but in terms of my expectation, I want to learn from it, and become more confident. As females, we need to get our voices heard, and create networks between us, so we can actively engage with suppliers.

We are still poorly represented in the sector, but there is a lot of work going on in the background. There are a handful of female retailers at the forefront, who are confidently taking the steps to speak up, but there are still a lot who are hesitant. By putting myself out there, I hope to help encourage others to come forward, and inspire the next generation.

What advice do you have for encouraging more women to get involved in panels?

I’d advise them not to go anywhere by themselves, but rather together. We should be making supplier events a social one. Communication is key. I attended Newtrade Media’s Women in Convenience event last year, and found the talk about building business confidence so useful.

I wanted to be able to work with suppliers better, and be more confident, so I reached out to Mikaela Jackson, founder of She Almighty, who led the session and undertook some personal coaching sessions.

This helped me get on stage at a recent Fed event and deliver a speech. I’d encourage other female retailers to take advantage of any opportunities they are given, even if at the time it is out of there comfort zone, it will pay dividends in the end.

Register to attend this year’s Women in Convenience event