British Library Event - Mothers of Invention 3

From fashion to food, from media to manufacturing, women entrepreneurs run some of Britain's most successful businesses. This evening panel debate and discussion is a unique opportunity to hear from, and put your questions to, a group of these remarkable women.

If you have a great business idea, or long to pursue your dreams and be your own boss, now is the time to learn from the experiences of five 'mothers of invention'.

In celebration of International Women's Month, this discussion will develop key topics such as: What inspired you and how did you get your idea off the ground? What opportunities and obstacles did you encounter along the way? Where did you obtain your financial backing and business advice from? How did you manage to balance your work and home life? If you had to start again, what if anything would you do differently?

Mishal Husain is one of the best-known presenters on the BBC, who has most recently been at the forefront of world news reporting from Pakistan in the aftermath of Benazir Bhutto's assassination. Mishal was born in the UK, but grew up in the United Arab Emirates. After a law degree, she worked for Bloomberg Television, before joining the BBC in 1998.

Five Mothers of Invention

Lorraine Heggessey is a true pioneer in the television industry. Today she is chief executive of talkbackThames, one of Britain's most successful independent production companies producing programmes such as The X-Factor and The Apprentice. A champion of new talent in her industry, Lorraine was previously the first female controller of BBC1 and was named "First Woman of Media" in the 2006 CBI/Real Business First Women Awards.

Jessica Huie started out as an 18-year-old single mother with four GCSEs and a drive to succeed and secure a better future for her daughter. Today, after a successful career in public relations and broadcasting for Choice FM and BBC London, she is the founder of the ethnic greeting cards company, Colorblind Cards. In 2007, she was honoured in the Evening Standard/02 awards recognising inspirational entrepreneurs.

Sam Roddick is the founder of "erotic emporium" Coco De Mer and daughter of The Body Shop legend, Dame Anita Roddick. Today Coco de Mer has outlets in London and Los Angeles and Sam is committed to enabling individuals to use sex as an instrument to transform their own existence. Coco de Mer is an active supporter of the Helen Bamber Foundation and the Women's Project.

Debbie Reynolds is a single mother of two, who is hard of hearing. In 2003 she was in debt, had no qualifications and was struggling to make ends meet. In spite of her problems, she enrolled as a volunteer for a local deaf charity and in April 2006, set up the School of Sign Language which now employs a staff of 28 deaf and hearing workers and volunteers. Debbie was Silver Winner in the Barclays Trading Places Award in 2007.

Sian Sutherland is managing director of Mama Mio - "skincare for supermamas". She started the business with two friends, having spotted the opportunity for specific, luxurious and safe creams that help women's skin during, and after, pregnancy. Sian has been named British Female Innovator of the Year 2006 and winner of the Best Pampering Product at the Pregnancy & Birth awards in 2006.

At the British Library Conference Centre

Monday 17 March 2008

18.15 - 20.00 followed by a reception until 21.00

Price £10.00  (concessions £7.50)
A networking reception will follow the event and is included in the price
To book your ticket visit their online box office

Moderator