The 7th Women Installers Together (WIT) conference has taken place in London on the 4th July.
Organisers Stopcocks Group Limited had been concerned that since many tradeswomen are mothers, having to stay home because their children’s schools were closed for use as polling stations, would prevent a good turnout, but in spite of this the group has reported that WIT 24 was the biggest yet with even more positive feedback than the previous six.
Begun by Hattie Hasan in 2017 to help overcome the isolation many tradeswomen still experience – many have never met another tradeswoman until attending a WIT event, WIT has now grown into much more.
WIT this year took its well-established format of light breakfast and drinks, followed by an introduction including updates from Hattie Hasan MBE, who then led a session on ‘Recognising And Developing Our Resilience’ followed by an extensive discussion during which delegates shared their own experiences of difficulties and how they had overcome them.
After a break to chat to other delegates and sponsors, were the Roundtable Discussions which focused on building our strengths and supporting ourselves and others in our community.
Next was lunch, with the afternoon featuring speaker and adventurer Anna McNuff, the group photo, more networking, Famous For Five Minutes, in which tradeswomen talk from the floor, and the now famous raffle. After the event many attendees gathered in the pub, sharing contact details and cementing friendships.
One first time attendee said: “I felt a new found joy for what I do and extremely proud to be part of a community of women who are ‘making the first steps in changing people’s perceptions.’”
With almost 200 tradeswomen attending, including one who had arranged her trip to UK from Australia to attend WIT, and others from US, Poland and Denmark, this was the biggest and most international WIT.
“Up until yesterday, I did not feel part of anything really, just plodding along in the industry – I left feeling inspired and empowered” said a delegate in her feedback.
Shaun Hunt, Technical and Trade Marketing Manager, Impey said “WIT 2024 was a fabulous and inspiring day. Full of passion and we were very privileged that Impey can sponsor such a wonderful organisation.”
Sponsors were Vaillant UK, Monument Tools and Mira Showers, Grundfos, Mark Vitow, City Plumbing, Checkatrade, Impey, LCL Awards, Swale, Octopus Energy and Anton by Crowcon.
For more about Stopcocks Women Plumbers and this or any future events visit https://stopcocks.uk/conference/
