A couple of the hottest takeover situations in town are boiling under their watch but Lord Stevenson, chairman of HBOS , and Donald Brydon of Taylor Nelson Sofres nevertheless did not dare break their date with nearly 200 women over breakfast yesterday.

Giving a peek into gender dynamics in the boardroom, they were accompanied by speakers including Helen Alexander, a Rolls-Royce and Centrica director, EasyJet chief Andy Harrison, headhunter Lady Bottomley and Janet Gaymer , the solicitor who is Commissioner for Public Appointments, at the City Women's Network 30th anniversary gathering at Mansion House.