International trade mission celebrates female leadership

A Manchester-based company director is part of a North of England trade mission to the US by 12 female business leaders to celebrate International Women’s Day, on March 8.

Zoe Brimelow represents family-run packaging manufacturer and consultancy, Duo, which was founded in 1988 and has key distribution locations in the US, Europe, Australia and China.

The Northern Powerhouse Women’s International Networking (WIN) trade mission has been organised by the Department for Business and Trade and is part of a pilot programme designed to increase the participation of senior female executives in international trade.

Zoe will travel to Indianapolis and Chicago to join a community of innovators and leaders committed to improving equality.

This includes meetings and strategy sessions with the British American Business Council, the National Association of Women Business Owners (Chicago) and the British Consulate General Chicago, as well as the opportunity to network with US-based companies.

She said: “It’s a huge privilege to be part of a delegation that can support the momentum of equality in the packaging and manufacturing industry. Great progress is already being made by inclusive, forward thinking companies and initiatives such as the WIN trade mission create more opportunities to make this stronger.

“Equality is so vital to innovative thinking, building professional relationships and evolving businesses for a circular economy. The trade mission will share insights and create new connections that can benefit businesses right across the North of England, nationally and globally.”

Bev Mullin, Deputy Head of Partnerships, Northern Powerhouse, Department for Business and Trade (DBT), said: “The Women’s International Networking programme aims to change the landscape for women in business, offering a structured and supportive environment for women to grow their businesses and achieve their potential.

“We are proud to be hosting 12 remarkable women from across the North of England, including Zoe Brimelow from Duo, who is also a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion.

“Our delegation of female executives are keen to connect with their counterparts in Indianapolis and Chicago to forge valuable business relationships and discuss expansion into the US market. We are also excited to be able to celebrate International Women’s Day whilst in the US to showcase our Northern companies.”

The trade mission starts on March 4, and finishes on International Women’s Day, March 8.