Devonshires has been accused of "mind-boggling" sexism after offering women a manicure at a conference. It has also been accused of making misleading claims about the nature of its involvement in the event.
The firm told women attending the National Housing Federation's scintillating Housing Finance Conference in Liverpool that it was, "delighted to invite you to an afternoon of beauty, business networking and relaxation" at a local hotel "where you will be treated to a manicure with a glass of fizz and nibbles".
The invite was tweeted by a client, Barbara Spicer, the Chief Executive of the Plus Dane Group housing association and whose name Devonshires spelled incorrectly as 'Barbra'. She replied, "Whilst it's very nice of @Devonshires to help with the Gender Pay Gap by paying for our manicures at Beauty, Bubbles & Business I think I’d rather go to an alternative event. Do they have a Bollocks, Beer & Business one?" In an open letter she asked Devonshires, "What did you offer the blokes who are at the conference - penis grooming along with a good pint of real ale to remind them of how masculine they are? And, perhaps, some classes in how to teach their daughters never to aspire to equality but to ensure they're always 'turned out nicely' if they do go to work". She said Devonshires, which specialises in the housing sector, should reflect on how to promote women in the industry instead of "this nonsense", because "certainly some of us who regularly commission you will be reflecting on it".
Other women in the housing sector made their displeasure known. "Do they think women need a time out from the conference to be pampered whilst the men carry on?", said one. "Absolutely mind boggling that organisations still think this is appropriate", said another. Lawyer Melanie Dirom said, "Today is maybe the day that Devonshires realise that us women do NOT sit around painting our nails, talking about hair styles & waiting for our men folk to get home so we can cook the tea". LPC student Emma Mitchell said she was "horrified a law firm would think this is acceptable".
David Orr, Chief Executive of the NHF, distanced his organisation from the firm. "For the avoidance of doubt, I think this is a monumental piece of nonsense", he said. "I agree with everyone who thinks it is crass". The NHF also released a statement disputing Devonshires' claim that they the firm was offering girly time in conjunction with the NHF. "To confirm", said the NHF, "We had no involvement in this and do not agree with it. Devonshires are not exhibiting at this event and we will be speaking to them about this".
Half an hour after being contacted by RollOnFriday for this story Devonshires announced that it had decided to cancel its manicure event. "We did not set out to offend anyone", it said. The firm also confirmed that its event "was in no way connected to the NHF".
This time last year Withers made a similar faux pas when it offered its female staff half price salad on International Womens' Day.
Tip Off ROF
The firm told women attending the National Housing Federation's scintillating Housing Finance Conference in Liverpool that it was, "delighted to invite you to an afternoon of beauty, business networking and relaxation" at a local hotel "where you will be treated to a manicure with a glass of fizz and nibbles".
Devonshires' ill-fated invite |
The invite was tweeted by a client, Barbara Spicer, the Chief Executive of the Plus Dane Group housing association and whose name Devonshires spelled incorrectly as 'Barbra'. She replied, "Whilst it's very nice of @Devonshires to help with the Gender Pay Gap by paying for our manicures at Beauty, Bubbles & Business I think I’d rather go to an alternative event. Do they have a Bollocks, Beer & Business one?" In an open letter she asked Devonshires, "What did you offer the blokes who are at the conference - penis grooming along with a good pint of real ale to remind them of how masculine they are? And, perhaps, some classes in how to teach their daughters never to aspire to equality but to ensure they're always 'turned out nicely' if they do go to work". She said Devonshires, which specialises in the housing sector, should reflect on how to promote women in the industry instead of "this nonsense", because "certainly some of us who regularly commission you will be reflecting on it".
Other women in the housing sector made their displeasure known. "Do they think women need a time out from the conference to be pampered whilst the men carry on?", said one. "Absolutely mind boggling that organisations still think this is appropriate", said another. Lawyer Melanie Dirom said, "Today is maybe the day that Devonshires realise that us women do NOT sit around painting our nails, talking about hair styles & waiting for our men folk to get home so we can cook the tea". LPC student Emma Mitchell said she was "horrified a law firm would think this is acceptable".
![]() |
"After their Twitter storm these girls will need to redo their hair" - Devonshires, probably. |
David Orr, Chief Executive of the NHF, distanced his organisation from the firm. "For the avoidance of doubt, I think this is a monumental piece of nonsense", he said. "I agree with everyone who thinks it is crass". The NHF also released a statement disputing Devonshires' claim that they the firm was offering girly time in conjunction with the NHF. "To confirm", said the NHF, "We had no involvement in this and do not agree with it. Devonshires are not exhibiting at this event and we will be speaking to them about this".
Half an hour after being contacted by RollOnFriday for this story Devonshires announced that it had decided to cancel its manicure event. "We did not set out to offend anyone", it said. The firm also confirmed that its event "was in no way connected to the NHF".
This time last year Withers made a similar faux pas when it offered its female staff half price salad on International Womens' Day.
Comments
472
522
Do they think acting like some hyper sensitive flower is actually the way to be taken seriously? Cos if you want to be the *same* as men consider whether a *make* reaction to a “pool and pint* or whatever naff networking bollocks would be.
Hint. It doesn’t involve whining on social media.
451
552
473
527
475
528
442
537
Unless we keep making this clear people will think we are all just sitting there wanting someone prodding our hands.
508
499
483
531
444
530
Would much prefer a manicure than entertaining any suggestion of another's bollocks. Unless it was a female of course. Women have the right to want bollocks too.
478
529
454
528
450
543
457
520
471
517
461
531
501
505
487
499
09/03/2018 11:07
How is this sexist?
Because someone was determined to view it as such. That's all that is required now.
447
541
All they needed to do was invite the men too.
481
527
464
503
471
527
484
510
In the pub, in a fancy restaurant, on the golf course or at an event just for women.
Sad times when it get cancelled just because some people decide it's not for them or there type of people.
Mum and Dad always said look smart feel smart.
Looking professional and well turned out is always the key to success.
Shame really we all need a little pampering and love in our life now and then male or female.
Hope the event returns next year.
Fare play Devonshires you have our support.
458
533
469
513
472
532
This PC nonsense is going mad.
First some women complain about male centred events then when an event for women is organised with good intentions then they complain too. Many women have manicures. Many women enjoy a glass of fizz.
Enjoying both at a networking event is perfectly acceptable and should not offend the feminists / PC brigade.
Let's focus protesting about real issues impacting women around the world who haven't the luxury of even the basic rights and stop these precious snowflakes imposing their ridiculous views on the rest of us.
446
569
454
553
And it is nothing like Withers' "faux pas" last year - that was awful (Ladies, you have a special day just for you! We know you like to eat, but no one want female fatties - that's what men are for - so have some salad! isn't that nice??)
444
538
Secondly if this nonsense was turned round and it was written by a man about a women only event (all references to male / female suitably adjusted) would someone with similar views to Ms Spicier have reported it as a hate crime by now?
Is this more about Ms Spicer trying to raise her profile?
I would have expected a more measured comment from someone in her position. She could have queried the event in a more sophisticated comment. Her board of directors should query her conduct as this is simply offensive.
452
558
Men and women generally like different things - pamper and a glass of bubbles cannot, and should not, spark this level of unjustified criticism.
486
490
467
557
462
546
467
522
467
541
Well done to them both condemning some lighthearted fun and removing the choice of those that would have liked to get involved.
Shame on you both. Snowflakes.
494
539
488
522