Women in Luxury: Patricia Caring, co-chair of The Birley Clubs
Caring talks navigating the troubled waters of hospitality and why she cherishes having a philanthropic element to her career
It isn’t everyone’s idea of a dream to work with their husband. It definitely isn’t everyone’s idea of a dream to start a new job in a new industry in the middle of a global pandemic. Good job, then, that Patricia Caring isn’t like everyone else.
Caring married her husband Richard, hospitality mogul and chairman of Caprice Holdings, in 2018 and, in May 2020, joined him as co-chair of The Birley Clubs: the ritzy members’ club group that counts Annabel’s, George, Harry’s Bar, Mark’s Club and Bath & Racquets among its portfolio. Of course, given that the UK was in full Covid lockdown at the time, the timing was hardly auspicious.
To hear Caring tell it, however, being thrown in at the (very) deep end is the best thing that could have happened. “Covid and the impact of Brexit happened during my first year as co-chairwoman and that was a big challenge, not only because both events were happening at the same time, but because it was the first time the industry was experiencing something of this magnitude,” she explains.
“Through it, there was a need to reinvent our ways of thinking and how we operated, and it showed us that when you come up against a set of challenges, you have no choice but to adapt. Behind many of our employees, there were families that depended on us and we didn’t want to let anyone down. It was a tough time but, when we look back, we can see just how resilient and strong we are, and I now have the confidence to lead the team from the front.”
The ability to see such silver linings, one suspects, is the result of Caring’s other role as president of The Caring Family Foundation. A separate charitable enterprise that works in tandem with The Birley Clubs to raise money for causes across the globe, Caring is involved in every aspect of the Foundation, from visiting domestic abuse survivors to organising its glitzy celebrity-filled fundraising events. It’s work she describes as one of the highlights of her career: “We’re building a community of people that care about the global issues we support and, not only does it have a bigger impact in our world, it shows that we are a socially conscious business.”
Image: Jake Curtis
Caring with Tia Lia at Instituto Lia Jabuticaba
Undoubtedly, The Birley Clubs and the entire hospitality industry encountered challenges brought about by Covid-19 and Brexit. The uncertainty surrounding business reopening and future stability, plus the unique challenges for our international employees due to Brexit, were significant hurdles. However, these challenges unified us as a team and like a family, we faced them head-on, working collaboratively to overcome obstacles and have emerged stronger together.
I always had a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact and, as I began working at The Birley Clubs, I saw natural opportunities to contribute positively to the areas I am passionate about. It started with events like International Women’s Day and has gradually evolved over time to larger-scale campaigns such as ‘Annabel’s for the Amazon’.
The Caring Family Foundation is a separate business, but I saw a synergy between the two. Witnessing the enthusiasm and support from both members and employees has fuelled my ambition. I am on a mission to unite owners of hospitality businesses in a collective philanthropic effort, particularly in supporting women and children. The shared energy of like-minded individuals is a powerful force when it comes to these causes.
My driving force has always been to support women and children. When we started the foundation during the pandemic, Richard and I decided to contribute by delivering 1.1 million meals to families and NHS key workers. At the same time, my friends in Brazil were telling me about the heightened rates of domestic abuse there, which prompted me to take action and work in partnership with Bem Querer Mulher, a domestic abuse centre in Sao Paulo. Together we have established psychological support, legal and social services and have supported more than 10,000 women so far. It’s horrendous hearing the stories of these women, but it makes me determined help.
The other part of me is deeply concerned about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest so this led to our reforestation program. It’s essential to remember the people living in and preserving the forest, particularly the indigenous families. As we spent more time on the ground with these communities, we realised the impact we could make by investing in opportunities that sustain their livelihoods through our tree-planting projects. This not only supports their wellbeing but also ensures they can continue to protect the forest. Without them, there will be no Amazon.
Like other women who are mothers, I am juggling many things at once. I always kick off the day by having breakfast with my children and taking them to school. Once I return home, I get ready for work and the many meetings ahead. I collaborate closely with my exceptional teams across operations, marketing and PR, membership and creative. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas for our hero events, strategic planning for the next quarter, sampling a new menu, or jumping on a call with The Caring Family Foundation’s team in Brazil, no day is the same. I am involved in so many aspects of the business, but that’s what keeps things so interesting and why I love it. In the evening, I put the children to sleep, and then spend time with my husband and socialising with friends or attending various industry events.
The renovation of George is memorable for many reasons. It was the first project that Richard and I worked on alongside each other and we really put into practice what it means to be partners. We worked on every single detail together and were supported by the remarkable team at George throughout. The result is a wonderful club that combines tradition with modernity that makes our corner of Mayfair shine. In my short time, I didn’t expect to have embarked on this scale of project, but I am proud of what we achieved together.
I’m much better at it now and have found a balance to being a mother, wife, chairwoman and friend. It’s not in equal measure but I do divide my time by priority. When I’m with my family at home or on holidays, I make sure I’m present and focus on my children because that time is sacred, especially while they are young.
I know that hospitality and thinking about the foundation never stops but now I know what needs to be addressed immediately and what I can leave for the next day, giving me the space to switch off when needed. I’m in constant ‘on’ mode but I relish the dynamic nature of the work.
I’m lucky to be surrounded by numerous remarkable women, but one woman I admire and am inspired by is Tia Lia, a wonderful leader of a community supported by The Caring Family Foundation. When I first visited her, she shared the story of the struggles she has been through and the challenges she and her community face daily. Living conditions are less than ideal and there is a lack of resources available, yet, without any qualifications or experience, she has managed to take a neglected piece of land and build a thriving garden of hope for her community. Meals are prepared with the produce grown from this garden, fresh fruit and vegetables are shared with the residents, she motivates women to work and advances the educational prospects of children with the library and learning space she has created for them.
Each time we visit I can see the community growing under her leadership. She shows us a new kitchen or community space she has built and if you ask her, she just wants to do more. Tia Lia epitomises what it means to put others first, having adopted several children and donated her kidney to her husband when he fell ill. You cannot help but be enamoured by this woman who with a little, has achieved a lot. Tia Lia didn’t focus on what she didn’t have, she focused on what she did have and how she could transform people’s lives. Tia in Portuguese means aunt, and she is everyone’s auntie. When I return to London, I feel very inspired by her strength and courage. I know there are many women like Tia Lia, and I aspire to meet as many of them as possible and be able to share their stories with the world.
I’ve really noticed a change in how women in luxury are branching out into different industries, from leadership positions in finance and technology to creative roles in design and innovation. What’s even more inspiring is the growing number of women in entrepreneurship, starting their own businesses, and really making their mark in the luxury scene.
As a Brazilian woman without a traditional business background, I have felt embraced by our employees and members for my hard work. That tells me that we are on the way to changing our attitudes about who we see in leadership positions, and I hope to continue paving the way not only in our business but through the opportunities granted by our foundation. I’m thrilled to see more women defining their own narratives and leaving a lasting impact on the luxury landscape.
We still have a lot of progress to make, and I would like to see more leadership opportunities being offered to women of all backgrounds who might not have the ‘right’ experience but possess a different point of view and the willingness and determination to work hard. I see this with the women we work with in our centre in Brazil: even with very little, they work hard and can create something incredible. All they needed was an opportunity and, if we could do that for each other, the world would be in a better place.
I would share the same advice I give to my four children, especially my three daughters who have their whole lives ahead of them. Be humble, don’t take anything for granted, work hard, be confident, respect everyone, help others, be generous with your time and your love, and the world will be open to you.
For young women embarking on a career in luxury, or any industry, my advice is rooted in the belief of hard work. Nothing worthwhile comes easily, so push through challenges, work diligently, and persevere because you are guaranteed to reap the benefits. But most importantly, do something that you absolutely love because that will sustain you through the hard times.
And finally, we, as women, need to continue supporting each other for us to progress. As you advance in your career, and especially as you move into leadership roles, find ways to create opportunities for the young women coming up behind you that support their growth and development so that we continue with this evolution.
