38 WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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Other figures uncovered would suggest that just under one in four new businesses in Lancashire are run by a woman and just under one in five have only female directors.
The percentage of women aged 16-64 who are self-employed in Lancashire peaked in 2017 at six per cent, rising from 5.1 per cent in 2004. The 2021 figure was approximately 4.8 per cent against a national average of 6.8 per cent.
The report was unable to access any Lancashire specific data regarding women in management or leadership. Nationally, The CMI (Chartered Management Institute) reports that while 69 per cent of junior managers are female, the figure drops to 36 per cent when it comes to senior managerial positions.
And while the Hampton Alexander review confirms that more than 100 women have joined FTSE 350 boards over the last decade, the fact remains that only eight per cent of executive directors - those with day to day influence - in FTSE 100 companies are female.
While this is an improvement, I would still challenge whether this really reflects the changes we should expect to see in today’s modern and apparently inclusive and aware organisations.
There is still a mountain to climb. You cannot be what you cannot see and for many women International Women’s Day this month highlights the role models that allow them to see what they can be.
In the meantime, I would implore all businesses across Lancashire to take a long hard look at themselves - research shows that those businesses with diversity at all levels perform better.
There are many issues to overcome to ensure complete diversity and then inclusion for everyone, but given that women make up 50 per cent of the population and there are more female graduates that male graduates, why is it so hard to remove the barriers that make it difficult for women to succeed in business or want to stay in work?
In accordance with the recommendation in the ‘Growing Women, Growing Lancashire’ report there is now a Women in Enterprise Steering Group in the county which is very keen to hear from anyone who wants to be involved.
There is also a Women in Enterprise Hub on the Boost website and a conference is planned for June to bring together women and businesses across Lancashire to energise collaboration, provide valuable information and discuss topics across the agenda that should be enlightening for all.
Again, I ask businesses to be involved. You can help with sponsorship, seminars, volunteer panel members and speakers if you think you can add light to the issues or provide inspiration for all.
Lancashire leads on so many things, let’s add gender equality to the list.
• To access the full ‘Growing Women, Growing Lancashire’ report visit
www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk
A SOURCE OF TRUE INSPIRATION On the face of it the question is a simple one - who inspires you?
It’s a question we posed to our readers as we looked to shine the spotlight on the Lancashire women who inspire.
The submissions came in thick and fast, from all types of businesses and organisations across the county.
Out of that impressive list, we’ve chosen, with the help of our invited panel, those who we believe represent all the very best values shown by Lancashire’s inspirational women in business.
And, as in previous years, we publish our list here, not in any particular order, to celebrate that inspiration and to recognise all the
women who are energising and encouraging others to make their mark in the county and beyond.
Lancashire Business View director Rachael Norris says: “The fantastic response to our invitation for nominations shows just how many influential entrepreneurs and fearless trailblazers we have in Lancashire.
“It was a challenge to come up with our final list, which we think encapsulates the qualities of our readers’ female role models, and why they are so important to them.
“We thank them for the nominations and hope the stories that we print here will inspire others.”
OUR PANEL
AMY LANCASTER-HALL
Amy is the award-winning group marketing manager for Lancashire- based Bowker Motor Group’s prestige franchises of Porsche, BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI, as well as Bowker Ribble Valley.
DEBBIE FRANCIS
Debbie has chaired the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) since 2021. She is a former managing director of Direct Rail Services. Debbie has also held senior roles with Network Rail, SAIC and Enterprise Managed Services as well as Arcadis UK.
NIKKI WHITTLE
Nikki is a partner in law firm Brabners’ corporate team and regularly works with owner-managed and family businesses. She was named one of the region’s top 25 female entrepreneurs and innovators to watch in 2021 by Lancashire Business View.
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