On 9th March 2020 we invited three panels of men from a range of industries and backgrounds to join us at this free event to discuss how, together, we can make this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “An Equal World is an Enabled World’ a reality.
Enterprise Manager at ForHousing , part of the Forviva Group, Eric McBean joined us to share his views and experiences on our strategic panel.
We got to know Eric ahead of the event….
What is your role/organisation?
I am the Enterprise Manager at ForHousing part of the ForViva Group. I lead our business start-up programme “Do Your Own Thing” that supports individuals to develop their ideas into businesses or social enterprises. The programme is delivered across Salford, Oldham and Knowsley. We provide start-up grants, 1:1 support and access to retail space. The programme has just been shortlisted in the 2020 TPAs awards for Excellence in Employment, Skills and Training. I have been in post for over six years.
How diverse is your current leadership team – and/or what initiatives are in place that you support?
ForHousing is part of ForViva group. ForViva is about challenging inequalities and making a difference to people’s lives. We’re about profit for purpose. That means we reinvest profits from across the Group to have a positive impact and create vibrant and safe communities. The entire ForViva Group is united behind one shared vision: Improved lives. From the boardroom to the community centre our values: passion, openness, respect and trust shine through.
Our ForViva Group Chief Executive is Colette McKune MBE – who joined Northern Power Women Power list in 2020 which recognises change makers and trail blazers who are making a difference supporting and accelerating gender equality across the North. Colette is passionate about the issue of balance and equality ensuring people have equal opportunity and encourages others to talk openly about the issue to drive change forward.
Some of the initiatives that I support include DIBA, Diversity in Business Accreditation, Women into Construction and the Women WithWings project led by Jasmin Bakhre who has been supported by Flourish Together.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
My younger self didn’t have the wealth of resources that are available today so I would have to tell myself to learn my craft/skills through an employer in the first instance before going alone.
Have you any role models that have inspired you during your career to date?
Many of my clients are role models and continue to inspire me with their determination to break down barriers and follow their dreams.
Following the event which was attended by a diverse group of over 60 people including women changemakers, supporters, children, families, investors and more, we asked Eric if he had anything further to add………..
What did you make of the event?
The event proved to be very popular and well attended given the current health concerns – Coronavirus didn’t stop people coming out for this intriguing event! It was the first event of this kind for myself and was expecting more of a grilling to be honest. As you know I am super excited by Enterprise and being able to offer a balanced and inclusive service via ForHousing is a privilege.
Did you learn anything new, any surprises or light bulb moments?
I guess you could have easily filled an hour discussing how best partners can support each other outside of running an enterprise. Many decades ago I had very young children whilst running a business. I realise because I left the house so early and came back so late they really didn’t know what I did so it was refreshing to hear the young people on the panel eloquently describing what their parents do. Different times indeed.
Anything else you’d like to share or add on reflection of discussions at the event?
A great debate would be how men deal with ‘powerful partners’ from my experience it really varies between age, cultures and religion. Men really could do with more guidance how to best support their partners and maybe another manel could articulate how best to get the support from a partner!
Thanks for your honest views and feedback Eric! We look forward to collaborating again soon….
