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Women in Business Group

Representation of women in business is a concern for all. Currently, only one-fifth of businesses in the UK are led by women, and female-led businesses face specific and entrenched barriers to achieving their full economic potential in male dominated sectors. Companies with higher female representation already outperform those with less, and it is estimated that the UK economy could generate an additional £250bn if women entrepreneurs had the means and access to start new businesses at the same rate as men.

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) wants to ensure everyone can prosper in business and women are no exception. LCCI's Women in Business group aims to grow the representation of women in under-represented sectors and promote inclusivity as a marketplace and financial advantage. The group seeks to champion issues that need to be addressed for women by key stakeholders and the management of organisations. 

About LCCI's Women in Business Group

Inclusivity

It is LCCI’s belief that the economy and businesses will perform better when inclusivity is at the forefront. This new group, alongside LCCI’s Black Business Association and Asian Business Association, will help businesses to attract and retain the best talent, and provide equal opportunities for progression and growth. Men, as well as women, have a role to play in ensuring this objective is achieved.

Empower and Motivate

LCCI are committed to helping female-led businesses, women business owners and female entrepreneurs drive their businesses forward. We aim to empower, inspire, support and motivate professional businesswomen through our network in London and through the international Chamber network.

Join the Women in Business Group

To join the Women in Business Group you must be an LCCI Member or part of the free London Chamber Community Network:

Join LCCI
Join membership or sign up to our free Community Network.

Part of LCCI?
Log in to your online account and select Women in Business in my preferences or contact us

Upcoming Women in Business Events

Menopause and Work: How to Avoid the Exit of Your Most Senior and Valuable Women in Your Business

Monday 27 November, 2.00pm - 2.45pm

The women leaving are often those who are at the peak of their careers and with the most experience. Are there ways that businesses can better support women in the menopause? Join us for this conversation with Alembic Strategy to explore Menopause and Work.

find out more about this event

Networking Lunch with Sara Davison ‘The Divorce Coach’

Thursday 18 January,12.00pm - 2.00pm

Known as ‘The Divorce Coach’, Sara Davison’s pioneering approach has transformed how we navigate the complexities of Divorce and Separation. Book your place now to attend the Networking Lunch, where you will be able to enjoy a light lunch, expand your network, and hear from a true trailblazer.

book online

Women in Business Advisory Board

Meet the Advisory Board

LCCI has established a Women in Business Advisory Board, led by LCCI Director of Membership and Events, Liz Henderson. The membership of the Women in Business Advisory Board is mixed gender and the board works with LCCI members to identify and address key issues and concerns.

 

MEET THE ADVISORY BOARD

Campaign Areas

The Women in Business Advisory Board wilI:

  • Campaign for greater representation of women in business particularly in underrepresented sectors
  • Advocate for greater access to finance for female founders
  • Run innovative events to showcase inspiring case studies and role models
  • Provide businesswomen with support services to aid their success in the workplace

I thoroughly enjoyed the first LCCI Women in Business event with Natalia Nicholson. It was uplifting to hear and learn from the experiences of other female entrepreneurs.  

Catalina Cotoara, Finance Director | London Ltd

Female business leaders within LCCI’s membership

International Women’s Day

March 2023

We asked LCCI Members Abby Ghafoor of Arc Management Consulting, Jacqui Thornton of Brown Shipley, Katherine McCullough of Merchant Land, Sarah Wilson of ACE Travel Management and Natalie Chapman of Logistics UK what International Women's Day means to them and what advice they have for women in business.

Read here

Women in Business Events

We regularly host events with innovative female business speakers and successful female entrepreneurs. Past speakers have included: Angela Browne, Principal Project Officer at Greater London Authority, Rachel Bennett, Strategic Lead at South London Careers Hub, Sharon Ament, Director at Museum of London and Commissioner Angela McLaren, City of London Police.

See lcci events

News and Updates

Naomi Riches shares her inspirational story

Naomi Riches MBE shared her motivational journey of becoming a gold medallist at the 2012 London Paralympics with us at The Skyline, Tower Suites. During the event, Naomi captivated her audience and left them feeling uplifted and motivated, as well as giving attendees the chance to hold an actual Paralympic gold medal.

See upcoming events

Inclusion of Women in the Negotiation of Free Trade Agreements

Despite progress in recent years, women continue to face significant barriers to participating fully in international trade. These barriers can be categorized into four main areas: social and cultural norms, legal and regular frameworks, access to finance and markets, and skills and capacity building.

Read full report

Nikki Flanders shares her business story with LCCI Members

Nikki Flanders, Managing Director of SSE, shared her inspiring professional journey towards success, and revealed how she navigates the corporate landscape in an ongoing battle towards true gender equality. During LCCI's event, Nikki not only shed light on the gender disparities that persist in business, but emphasised the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that supports and elevates women.

See upcoming events

Two-minute interview with Julia Onslow-Cole

The May/June issue of LCCI's London Business Matters magazine features Fragomen Partner and LCCI Chair, Julia Onslow-Cole in a special spotlight, highlighting her advice for young entrepreneurs and her favourite business achievement this year: helping LCCI launch the Women in Business Group.

Read the full article

Shadow Cabinet Office Minister endorses the London Chamber policy proposal on including women in all future trade deals. Find out more.