Milan with Forward Ladies.

My trip to Milan was the second visit to Europe as part of the Forward Ladies programme.


http://www.forwardladies.com/Forward-Ladies-Europe

After our introduction to all things European last month we felt more informed this time as we embarked on finding out about business links with Italy.

20 ladies with a variety of business interest left Leeds/Bradford airport on 12th May. I stayed the night before with a friend I had made on the previous trip called Jackie Whiteley who has a great business selling a garden organic straw mulch. She has clients like the Eden project and Ground Force.

http://www.strulch.co.uk/

Once in Milan we drove to our hotel - the Sheraton Diana Majestic. It was very swish. Several of us lounged in the inner courtyard on huge leather settees and had our first real Italian cappuccino.

We walked to a traditional Bar called Bar Basso where we had cocktails and heard from the owner about the history of his business. A charming gentleman called Riccardo Monti, who is the director and Country Head of Value Partners of South East Europe and the Middle East, then spoke to us about Italian Business, the Economy and the Role of Women in Italian Business. From there we had a fantastic meal at a restaurant called Da Ilia followed by a brief talk from Paola Patti, CEO of a travel company called Valtur.

The following day we had an early start for a breakfast meeting with the Professional Woman's Association of Milan. We had other talks from other business ladies and we were left with the impression that we are far more ahead in the UK as regards women in business. There still seems to be a male dominance and women are expected to be more of the home-maker and carer for children and elderly relatives as there are few provisions made for them elsewhere, and where there are nurseries they tend to be very expensive. This article explains more reasons.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7337145.stm

I asked a few ladies about the attitude and facilities around postnatal illness and they agreed that it also needs to be less taboo in Italy.

That evening we had a cheese and wine event with some members from the British Chamber of Commerce followed by a talk from a cosmetic surgeon who works in several countries.
I met with some staff at the British Consulate from UK Trade and Investment. They were very helpful and told me that being an English speaker in Italy is not a problem as regards speaking at events. We are looking into the possibility of getting my book translated and at speaking opportunities.

I hope to return to Milan soon!

www.elainehanzak.co.uk