BUSINESS NEWS
Women can bring a boost
New research shows that the UK is missing out on up to £170bn worth of economic benefits by not having enough females in employment. PwC’s annual Women in
Work Index shows that the UK could boost its GDP by 9 per cent (£170bn) if it could increase the number of women in work to match that of Sweden, the highest performing country. The UK rises to 16th place
on the Index (up from 21st in 2014) due to lower female unemployment and a narrowing of the gender pay gap.
However, the UK falls down
on the share of women in full- time employment and the fact that the gender pay gap is still higher than the OECD average. Closing the gender pay gap
would mean an £80bn boost to overall female earnings in the UK. The UK performs below the
OECD average and ranks in 30th place out of 33 countries on this indicator.
Gender pay gaps must be tackled from the top
BY JON GRIFFIN
of Commerce Women in Business conference was told. The male-female divide at the heart of Governments, sporting bodies and industry was highlighted by Dr Léa Cléret (pictured), head of research, policy and education at the International Centre for Sports Security. Dr Cléret called for private and public organisations
S
to be more ‘open, transparent, accountable and democratic’ to allow women to climb the ladder – and provide improved governance. And she cited the overwhelming numbers of males
implicated in recent scandals at FIFA, the International Association of Athletics Federation and at Volkswagen to illustrate the effect of the gender gap. “Are women exempt from corruption and bribery?
Are women the fairer sex? Do we come with a natural protection against these things? “Only 17 per cent of Ministers worldwide in January
2015 were women. What that tells us about the governance of countries in the world is a bit scary. “I know that bribery and corruption, and tax evasion,
and fraud has been going on for 30 years, ever since sport became big business. When we talk about cultures, if you are within an organisation where it is OK to take a bribe, why would you do otherwise? It
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Solihull right on track
Celebrating Solihull (left to right): Martin Clarke (NEC), Bob Sleigh (Leader, Solihull Council), Caroline Spelman (MP for Meriden), Andy Cole (general manager, Touchwood), Paul Kehoe (chief executive, Birmingham Airport), Paul Faulkner (chief executive, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce) and John Callaghan (principal, Solihull College & University Centre).
HS2 will give Solihull “21st Century connectivity”, Caroline Spelman told a gathering of business leaders in the borough. The MP for Meriden was among key speakers at a Solihull Chamber of
Commerce ‘Solihull So Successful’ dinner at Solihull College and University Centre. She told business leaders: “HS2 will act as a major draw for job creation and community success and will give Solihull 21st century connectivity.” She also praised Solihull for the leadership provided by its Council and
added: “The borough has strong leadership and this is the key to its success. Local leaders are right to explore new ideas. “The £500 million regeneration of North Solihull has transformed the lives of
people who live there and one indicator is rising educational attainment.” Ms Spelman spoke of the investment that Solihull had attracted, including
the Genting Arena at the NEC which was chosen “above all other locations because of strong transport links”. Bob Sleigh, leader of Solihull Council, also highlighted the advantages of
having the HS2 interchange on Solihull’s doorstep, saying: “We will be the first people in the UK to feel the benefits of HS2 and are proud to be its first station.” Coun Sleigh, who has been elected chairman of the shadow board for the
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), also outlined the plans that Solihull has to create a Garden City, which will embrace the HS2 interchange.
12 CHAMBERLINK APRIL 2016
starts from the top so people have to lead by example. “I would like you to look at your companies and see
how women are represented in your organisations. “ Other guest speakers included Professor Kiran
Trehan from the University of Birmingham, Linkedin coach Dawn Adlam and businesswoman Rosie Ginday of Miss Macaroon fame.
• Women attending the conference pledged support to a campaign organised by family bread brand Roberts Bakery to help eradicate breast cancer. Delegates heard from breast cancer survivor and
Roberts family member Lindsay Occleston. The Women in Business Conference was co-sponsored by Roberts Bakery, HSBC and De Vere Venues Colmore.
candals at FIFA, the IAAF and Volkswagen highlight gender gaps at the very top of global organisations, a Greater Birmingham Chambers
Dr Léa Cléret
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