Power of Women Awards 2026: Celebrating Leadership, Opportunity and Real Change

London’s business community came together in powerful fashion on 5 March 2026 as Dress for Success Greater London hosted its ninth annual Power of Women Awards at Sidara, 150 Holborn. 

The sold-out event marked more than a celebration of inspiring individuals, it was a reminder of what happens when opportunity, mentorship and belief combine to unlock potential.

Held ahead of International Women’s Day, and aligned with the global theme #GiveToGain, the evening brought together leaders from business, law, media, culture and civil society. The atmosphere was one of recognition, but also of determination: a shared commitment to ensuring more women have the confidence, support and practical tools needed to succeed in the workplace.

Hosted by charity ambassador Tskenya-Sarah Frazer, the evening opened with remarks from Juanita Ingram, founder and Trustee Chair of Dress for Success Greater London. Reflecting on the charity’s eleven years of impact, she highlighted the tangible difference the organisation continues to make across the capital.

Since its founding, the charity has empowered more than 11,500 women, with an impressive 80% employment success rate. Through professional clothing, career coaching and long-term workforce development programmes, Dress for Success helps women overcome barriers to employment and build sustainable careers.

The evening also celebrated a remarkable group of award recipients whose leadership and commitment are driving real change.

Honourees included Baroness Floella Benjamin, recognised for cultural influence and advocacy; Sangeeta Pillai for amplifying diverse voices; Sophie Neary for economic leadership; and Ruth Dodsworth OBE for media and social impact. Organisations and partners were also recognised for their contributions, including A&O Shearman, No7 Beauty, and Lewisham Works, while individuals such as Naomi Harrison, Demisola Ogunfuwa, and Tara Thomas were celebrated for their dedication, resilience and achievements.

For attendees, the message of the night was clear: empowering women isn’t just a social mission — it is a business imperative.

As Samantha Latouche of Dress for Success Greater London reflected during the evening, the event was more than an awards ceremony. It was a showcase of resilience, ambition and the power of collective support.

With Power of Women 2027 already on the horizon, the momentum continues to grow. For businesses looking to champion opportunity, inclusion and leadership, the message is simple: when women thrive, organisations and society, thrive with them.

https://www.dressforsuccessgl.org

International Creativity and Innovation Day: Why Bold Ideas Drive Business Success

Every successful business started with a simple idea. 

Whether it was a new product, a better service, or a smarter way of doing things, innovation sits at the heart of progress. 

That’s exactly what International Creativity and Innovation Day, celebrated each year on 21 April, is all about.

Recognised by the United Nations, the day encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to think differently and embrace fresh ideas that can improve lives, communities, and industries.

For businesses of all sizes, it’s a timely reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists or designers. It’s a core skill that fuels growth, solves problems, and helps companies stay competitive.

Creativity Is a Business Advantage

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, originality matters. Businesses that encourage creative thinking are more likely to:

Develop innovative products and services

Improve efficiency through smarter processes

Respond quickly to changing markets

Stand out from competitors

From small independent retailers to global tech companies, innovation often comes from asking one simple question: Is there a better way to do this?

Innovation Starts With Workplace Culture

Creativity rarely thrives in rigid environments. Companies that want innovative ideas must create a culture where people feel comfortable experimenting and sharing suggestions.

That might include:

Encouraging brainstorming sessions

Allowing time for side projects or experimentation

Rewarding creative problem-solving

Listening to ideas from staff at every level

Many breakthrough ideas come from unexpected places, including junior employees who see problems from a fresh perspective.

Small Businesses Can Innovate Too

Innovation isn’t limited to major corporations with massive research budgets. Small businesses often lead the way because they can move quickly and adapt without layers of bureaucracy.

Examples of everyday business innovation include:

Streamlining customer service with new digital tools

Introducing sustainable packaging or greener processes

Offering new ways for customers to interact online

Creating unique experiences that competitors cannot easily copy

Even minor improvements can make a significant difference over time.

Celebrate Creativity in Your Business

International Creativity and Innovation Day is a great opportunity to spark new thinking within your team. Consider:

Hosting a workplace “ideas day”

Running a staff innovation challenge

Reviewing processes to identify improvements

Encouraging employees to share new product or service ideas

Sometimes the next big breakthrough begins with a simple conversation.

The Future Belongs to Creative Businesses

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, businesses that embrace creativity will be better equipped to adapt and thrive. Innovation isn’t just about invention, it’s about continuously improving, questioning assumptions, and exploring new possibilities.

International Creativity and Innovation Day is a reminder that the best ideas often come from those willing to think differently.

And in business, thinking differently can make all the difference.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape: Strategies for Business Success

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of business, competition is an inevitable reality. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a startup, navigating the competitive landscape is a crucial aspect of sustaining and growing your business. 

While competition can be fierce, it also presents opportunities for innovation, improvement, and ultimately, success. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for dealing with business competition.

Embrace Market Research

Understanding your competitors and the market is the first step towards developing a successful strategy. Conduct thorough market research to identify key players, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and assess market trends. Stay informed about changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and emerging market opportunities. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and position your business strategically.

Differentiate Your Brand

Setting your brand apart from the competition is crucial for success. Identify your unique selling points (USPs) and leverage them to create a distinct brand identity. Whether it's exceptional customer service, innovative products, or a compelling brand story, highlighting what makes your business special will attract customers who resonate with your values.

Focus on Customer Experience

In a competitive market, customer experience can be a game-changer. Provide exceptional service, listen to customer feedback, and continuously strive to improve. Happy and satisfied customers not only become repeat buyers but also serve as brand advocates, helping you gain a competitive edge through positive word-of-mouth.

Continuous Innovation

The business landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to innovation. Regularly assess your products, services, and processes to identify areas for improvement. Foster a culture of innovation within your organization, encourage employee input, and be open to exploring new technologies and trends that can give your business a competitive advantage.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration can be a powerful tool in the face of competition. Consider forming strategic partnerships with complementary businesses. By combining resources and expertise, you can create mutually beneficial alliances that enhance your offerings and broaden your reach. These partnerships can provide access to new markets, distribution channels, and shared knowledge.

Monitor and Adapt

The business landscape is dynamic, and what works today may not be effective tomorrow. Regularly monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and customer behavior. Be agile and willing to adapt your strategies as needed. A proactive approach to change will position your business as responsive and resilient in the face of competition.

Invest in Marketing and Branding

Effective marketing and branding are essential for creating visibility and attracting customers. Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes online and offline channels. Leverage digital marketing tools, social media, and content creation to engage with your target audience. Consistent and strategic branding builds trust and loyalty, making it harder for competitors to capture your market share.

Dealing with business competition requires a proactive and strategic mindset. By embracing market research, differentiating your brand, focusing on customer experience, fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, monitoring industry trends, and investing in marketing and branding, you can position your business for long-term success in the competitive landscape. Remember, competition is not just a challenge; it's an opportunity to excel and thrive.

A Roadmap to Success: How to Set and Achieve Business Goals

Setting and achieving business goals is the cornerstone of success for any organisation. Whether you're a startup or an established company, a clear roadmap is essential to navigate the complexities of the business world. 

In this blog post, we'll explore a comprehensive guide on how to set and achieve business goals, ensuring your organisation moves forward with purpose and efficiency.

Define Your Vision and Mission:

Before diving into specific goals, it's crucial to have a clear vision and mission for your business. Your vision outlines what success looks like, while your mission defines the purpose of your organization. These elements serve as the foundation for setting meaningful goals that align with your company's overall direction.

SMART Goals:

Embrace the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) when setting goals. Specific goals provide clarity, measurable goals allow for tracking progress, achievable goals ensure feasibility, relevant goals align with your overall strategy, and time-bound goals create a sense of urgency.

Prioritise Your Goals:

Not all goals are equal in importance or urgency. Prioritise your goals based on their impact on your business objectives. Identify short-term goals that can lead to long-term success, and focus on initiatives that will have the most significant positive influence on your organisation.

Break Down Goals into Actionable Steps:

Once you've established your high-level goals, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This makes the goals more manageable and allows your team to see progress regularly. Assign responsibilities for each step to ensure accountability and collaboration.

Regularly Review and Adjust:

Business environments are dynamic, and it's essential to regularly review your goals to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with your company's trajectory. Be flexible and willing to adjust goals based on changes in the market, industry trends, or internal factors.

Engage Your Team:

Goal setting is not a top-down process. Involve your team in the goal-setting process to foster a sense of ownership and commitment. Encourage open communication and collaboration, as the collective efforts of your team will be instrumental in achieving ambitious business goals.

Celebrate Milestones:

Acknowledge and celebrate the achievement of milestones along the way. Recognizing progress boosts morale and motivates your team to stay committed to the overarching goals. This positive reinforcement contributes to a culture of success within your organisation.

Utilise Technology and Analytics:

Leverage technology and analytics tools to track and measure progress. Data-driven insights can provide valuable feedback, allowing you to make informed decisions and refine your strategies as needed.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

Embrace a culture of continuous learning. Encourage your team to adapt to new technologies, industry trends, and best practices. This proactive approach ensures that your organisation remains agile and resilient in the face of challenges.

Seek Professional Guidance:

Consider seeking advice from business consultants, mentors, or industry experts. Their experience and insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you navigate challenges on the path to achieving your business goals.

In conclusion, setting and achieving business goals is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires careful planning, adaptability, and the collective efforts of your entire team. By following these guidelines and staying committed to your vision, your organisation can navigate the ever-changing business landscape and achieve sustainable success. Remember, setting and achieving goals is not just a destination; it's a journey that propels your business forward.

How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis for Your Business

In the world of business, success is often the result of a well-thought-out strategy. A crucial step in developing such a strategy is conducting a SWOT analysis. 

SWOT, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, is a valuable tool for assessing your business's current position and making informed decisions about its future. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of conducting a SWOT analysis to help you better understand your business and plan for success.

1. Identifying Your Strengths

The first step in a SWOT analysis is to identify your business's strengths. These are internal factors that give your business a competitive advantage. To identify your strengths, consider the following questions:

What does your business do exceptionally well?

What unique resources or assets does your business possess?

Are there any key personnel or teams that contribute significantly to your success?

What are your top-selling products or services?

Strengths are often related to core competencies, brand reputation, customer loyalty, and any distinctive qualities that set your business apart from competitors. Make a comprehensive list of your business's strengths, as they form the foundation of your strategic planning.

2. Identifying Your Weaknesses

Next, it's essential to evaluate your business's weaknesses. Weaknesses are internal factors that hinder your success or pose challenges to your operations. To identify your weaknesses, consider the following questions:

What aspects of your business could use improvement?

Are there any resource constraints or limitations, such as financial or human resources?

Do you face any recurring problems or bottlenecks?

Are there areas where competitors outperform you?

Being honest and critical during this phase is crucial because acknowledging your weaknesses is the first step towards addressing and improving them. Remember, it's an opportunity for growth.

3. Identifying Opportunities

Now, let's shift our focus to external factors that can benefit your business – opportunities. Opportunities are favorable conditions in the external environment that you can exploit. To identify opportunities, consider the following:

What emerging trends or market changes could benefit your business?

Are there unmet needs or underserved customer segments in your industry?

Have there been recent regulatory changes or technological advancements that you can leverage?

Are there partnerships or collaborations that could enhance your business's growth?

By recognising opportunities, you can position your business to take advantage of market dynamics and stay ahead of the competition.

4. Identifying Threats

The final component of a SWOT analysis is identifying threats, which are external factors that could potentially harm your business. To identify threats, consider the following questions:

What are the biggest challenges your industry faces?

Are there economic, political, or environmental factors that may impact your business negatively?

Who are your main competitors, and what threats do they pose?

Are there any technological or market trends that could disrupt your business?

Understanding potential threats allows you to develop strategies to mitigate their impact and prepare for contingencies.

5. Analysing and Prioritising Your SWOT Factors

After identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it's time to analyse and prioritize them. Look for connections between these factors and consider how you can leverage your strengths to seize opportunities and address weaknesses to mitigate threats.

Some factors may have a higher impact on your business than others. Prioritise them based on their significance and the level of influence you can exert over them.

6. Developing an Action Plan

The final step in the SWOT analysis process is to develop an action plan based on your findings. Create strategies that capitalize on your strengths and opportunities while addressing your weaknesses and threats. Your plan should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to ensure its effectiveness.

A SWOT analysis is a powerful tool that can guide your business's strategic planning and decision-making. By understanding your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, you can make informed choices to navigate the competitive landscape and position your business for success. Regularly revisiting and updating your SWOT analysis is essential, as the business environment is constantly evolving. So, start your SWOT analysis today and pave the way for a more prosperous future for your business.

New Book Delivers an Essential Guide to Building a Business That’s Smarter Than You

Genuinely successful companies don’t rely on a genius CEO but tap into vast reservoirs of brainpower from the boardroom to the shop floor.

In worshipping at the altar of the genius CEO, we’ve lost sight of what really drives an enduringly successful business. Collective Intelligence, written by co-CEOs Jennifer Sundberg and Pippa Begg, is a guide to building a business that’s fuelled by an intellectual power greater than any CEO’s.

Drawing on their work with the world’s most demanding leaders, from Fortune 500s to NGOs, Collective Intelligence looks at this world through Sundberg and Begg’s unique lens to reveal some often surprising insights.

They share first-hand accounts of business failure at the hands of the best and the brightest. And they explore what helps big companies stay nimble, debunking some of the common myths of Silicon Valley success.

Hailed by #1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel H. Pink as an “essential guide” for leaders, the book makes the case for systematically empowering everyone in a business to think hard and act fast. And it shows how the most enduringly successful companies don’t rely on a genius CEO or a super-smart executive team but tap into vast reservoirs of brainpower from the boardroom right to the shop floor.

The book explores the three capabilities that underpin collective intelligence: critical thinking, great communication, and a focus on the problems and opportunities that matter most. The authors also share the detailed and actionable guidance they’ve given to their clients over the past 15 years, so others can build these capabilities too.

Discussing their decision to write the book, Jennifer Sundberg says: “The unusual level of access we’ve had to boards and leadership teams has taught us a lot about what goes into creating an enduringly successful business. This book is our way of providing a glimpse into that world so others can learn from both its successes and failures.”

Pippa Begg adds: “If 15 years of working with boards and leadership teams has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t rely just on them. The best businesses empower everyone in their organization to do their best thinking and act on it. This book is about how every company, big or small, can strive to do that.”

Danie H Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive and To Sell is Human, says about Collective Intelligence: “Sundberg and Begg have produced an essential guide to help leaders tap their organization’s full potential by creating the conditions for critical thinking, clear communication, and nimble execution.”

Collective Intelligence is published on 9 November 2023 by LID Publishing, available as a hardback and e-book.

Jennifer Sundberg and Pippa Begg are the co-CEOs of Board Intelligence, a leading provider of business reporting software that has supported more than 3,000 organizations and 40,000 leaders to unleash board performance and collective intelligence.

https://www.boardintelligence.com

www.lidpublishing.com

The Importance of Market Research in Business

Market research is really a very essential component of any successful business strategy. It is the process of gathering, analysing, and interpreting information about a market, including its size, trends, competitors, and customer preferences. 

By conducting thorough market research, businesses can make informed decisions, reduce risks, and identify opportunities for growth. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of market research in business and how it can positively impact your bottom line.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Market research helps businesses gain a deep or deeper understanding of their target audience. This knowledge allows companies to tailor their products or services to meet the specific needs and preferences of their customers. By identifying demographic information, such as age, gender, income, and location, businesses can create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their ideal customers. This personalized approach increases the chances of success and customer satisfaction.

Assessing Market Demand

Market research can provide insights into the current demand for a product or service. By analysing market trends and consumer behaviour, businesses can determine whether there is a viable opportunity for their offerings. This information is crucial for start-ups and established businesses alike, as it can guide decisions regarding product development, pricing, and distribution.

Competitive Analysis

Understanding your competition is vital in today's saturated business landscape. Market research enables companies to identify and analyse their competitors, their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. This knowledge helps businesses differentiate themselves by developing unique selling points and competitive strategies.

Risk Mitigation

Starting or expanding a business always carries risks. Market research can help mitigate these risks by providing valuable data and insights. For instance, it can help you identify potential challenges, market saturation, or changes in consumer behaviour. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions to minimize risks and maximise opportunities.

Product Development and Innovation

Market research is an integral part of the product development process. By conducting surveys, focus groups, and analysing consumer feedback, businesses can gather valuable insights that guide the creation of new products or the improvement of existing ones. This approach ensures that the products align with customer needs and preferences, increasing their chances of success in the market.

Marketing and Advertising Effectiveness

Successful marketing and advertising campaigns are based on a deep understanding of the target audience. Market research helps companies develop campaigns that resonate with consumers, leading to higher conversion rates and return on investment. It allows businesses to allocate resources efficiently by focusing on the most effective marketing channels.

Expansion and Internationalisation

Market research is indispensable when considering expanding your business into new markets or going international. It provides insights into cultural differences, local regulations, and consumer behaviours, enabling businesses to adapt their strategies to new environments. Without proper research, expanding into new territories can be fraught with unnecessary risks.

Strategic Decision-Making

Ultimately, market research is a crucial component of strategic decision-making. It empowers business leaders to make informed choices about the direction and growth of their companies. By staying informed about market trends and consumer preferences, businesses can pivot when necessary and seize opportunities as they arise.

In today's competitive business world, market research is not a luxury but a necessity. It empowers businesses to make informed decisions, understand their target audience, assess market demand, outperform competitors, and mitigate risks. By integrating market research into their strategies, companies can not only survive but thrive in their respective industries. Whether you're a start-up or an established corporation, investing in market research is an investment in your future success.