Across its 1,000 years, there has been a noticeable changing of the guard, if you will, at Borough Market. Its iconic and teeming stalls and businesses have seen more women running them. In fact, the number is now at 30%, a testament to the movements made by the market and to those who are leading businesses.
The evolving market, in an effort to continue elevating women in 2023, will honour them on International Women’s Day with a celebration and a “raft of free virtual masterclasses” on Wednesday. The goal is to not only showcase those who’ve paved paths for others to succeed but also to provide a space for those next in line to become leaders across the Market and food industry.
The event will feature leading food writers and entrepreneurs who will talk about their “successes and challenges” during the all-day sessions.
“International Women’s Day is the perfect time to recognise their contribution,” Borough Market CEO Jane Swift says. “Not only are these masterclasses a chance to showcase the incredible skills of the Market’s women but they are also a demonstration of how many women support us in what we do – from running stalls to working behind the scenes. We hope these panel discussions will inspire more women to take the leap and choose a career they are truly passionate about.’’
There are four classes that run from 11 am to 4:30 pm and cover a range of topics – from overcoming gender bias to growing a brand. In addition to market leaders Lynsey Coughlan (The Ginger Pig) and Monika Linton (Brindisa), School Food Matters Trustee Alanya Francis and industry commentator Mallika Basu also will be taking part.
Here are the masterclasses and Q&A sessions being provided for free on Zoom. Those interested can register at: https://boroughmarket.org.uk/events/international-womens-day-masterclasses/
Fighting Gender Bias And Growing Your Confidence (10.00-11.00am): The first masterclass of the day will be led by Borough Market’s CEO Jane Swift, who will be speaking to Michelle Lam, who sits on Borough Market’s Board of Trustees, and Market traders Sharon Crane from The Gated Garden and Lynsey Coughlan from The Ginger Pig.
Starting Your Own Food Business (11.30am-12.30pm): Lucy Charles, Borough Market’s Director of Operations will be joined by Market business owners Monika Linton of Brindisa, Samantha Wallace, From Field and Flower and Flip Dunning of Pate Moi about how they started their food businesses.
How To Build A Career In Food Writing (2.00pm–3.00pm): Author of Borough Market: The Knowledge and host of Borough Talks podcast, Angela Clutton will be joined by food & drink columnist and founder of Fowl Mouths Food & recipe Project, Melissa Thompson and Feature & Food Writer, Giulia Crouch on how they became successful food writers.
Creating Your Personal Brand (3.30pm-4.30pm): To round-off the day, Borough Market’s Director of Communication by Kate Howell will discuss how to build your personal brand with Food Writer and Culture, Diversity & Comms Consultant, Mallika Basu; Market trader Chloë Stewart from Nibs etc; and School Food Matters Trustee, Alanya Francis.
