The event took place at Deutsche Bank's head office in the City and was attended by Eve Appeal supporters, friends, 500 Club members, and bank staff.

Pryce, a Senior Managing Director in FTI's Economic Consulting practice, delivered the charity's inaugural lecture concentrating on the state of the current economic climate, both globally and in the UK. Pryce's assessment is one of a global economy in recovery albeit with substantial risks still remaining for the UK and other developed countries. Contributing to these risks, she explained, are the difficult decisions politicians have to make and the political leadership required to take them. Of particular note was the need to sure-up and reform the banking sector whilst at the same time making sure that conditions are in place for an increase in lending to the SME market which is where growth in the UK is likely to come.

Furthermore, jittery and volatile stock markets, the like of which have not been seen, combined with low yields on 'safe' sovereign debt, will continue to keep markets and investors nervous well into the foreseeable future. While Pryce's speech was a sobering reminder of the UK economy's fragile state, she remarked on the strong growth of emerging markets and their continual rise in economic weight upon the global stage.

The Eve Appeal's Chairman, Lord Colin Sharman, who is also Chairman of Aviva, hosted the lecture and chaired the post lecture question and answer session. In responding to a question about the UK's membership of the EU he remarked that we would be 'crazy' to leave an organisation with whom we do so much trade.

A drinks and canapés reception was held afterwards and the 'Inspiring Women' Lecture Series returns in April 2012 with details to follow in the New Year. 

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for further information

Liz Engel, Press Office, The Eve Appeal

Tel: 020 7299 4430/07812 150832

email Liz

The full release can be found here.