Women in Business Charter launch

HM Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE attended the launch of the UK's first Women in Business charter, held at City Hall before an audience of more than 70 delegates drawn from large and small private sector businesses and charitable and public sector organisations.  Founder signatories from UWE, energy firm OVO, accountants Bishop Fleming, law firm Burges Salmon, Bristol Airport, executive recruitment firm Moon Exec Search, billing and collections company Pelican Business Services and Bristol City Council each spoke about the benefits of being in such a powerful network.  The Charter encourages network members to share best practice on issues as far ranging as pay levels, terms and conditions of employment, improved recruitment performance and access to board level executive and non-executive roles.  'Closing the gender pay gap will assist in driving up productivity,' Peaches Golding observed.  'When organisations have a match between the demographics of their customers, their workforce and their boardroom it can improve innovation, market penetration, staff retention and the bottom line.  HRH The Duchess of Sussex is well known in supporting women at all levels in education, the workplace and the voluntary sector.'