Women in Wholesale hosts Speed Mentoring event

Women in Wholesale hosted a Speed Mentoring event at Convene in London, bringing together some of the sector’s most influential leaders to support the next generation of talent under the theme: ‘Work Happy’.

The event delivered on three of the top priorities outlined in WiW’s Championing Change report sponsored by Lumina Intelligence: more female role models (53%), more mentoring (36%) and more networking opportunities (24%).

With 15 mentors from the UK’s top wholesalers and suppliers, the event offered focused, fast-paced sessions on leadership, strategic thinking, self-doubt, emotional intelligence, and more – each designed to spark meaningful conversation and lasting impact.

Clare Bocking, chair of Women in Wholesale and director at Immediate Impact, said: “By creating space for honest dialogue, skill-building and visible role models, we’re helping more women see a future for themselves in wholesale – and giving them the tools to get there.”

WiW 2025 Speed Mentors were:

• Nikki Watts, sales director, Booker

• Kaan Hendekli, chief operating officer, JJ Foodservice

• Trudy Wilson, supply chain director, Booker

• Sheila Gallagher, commercial director, Booker

• Abbie Hackwell, retail development controller, Booker

• Nici Matlow, HR director, Swizzels Matlow

• Karen O’Flaherty, Co-founder, Pip Organic

• Mariae Hackett, founder, Dapur Mariae

• Sarah Guest, managing director, Rowan International

• Kirsty Cooper, commercial director, Creed Foodservice

• Clare Bocking, director, Immediate Impact

• Melanie Tucker, head of out of home, Biotiful

• Coral Rose, co-chair, The Wholesale Group

• Jade Plampton, head of finance – FP&A, Sysco GB

• Laura Sealey, director global leadership development, Sysco GB