Tuesday 7 March 2023

Today, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) launches its Women in Business Group, which aims to convene and empower professional businesswomen across the international Chamber network.

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. 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 had the means and access to start new businesses at the same rate as men.

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.

The membership of the Women in Business Advisory Board will be mixed gender and the board will work with LCCI members to identify key issues and concerns, campaign for greater cross-sector representation, and advocate for better access to support and finance for female entrepreneurs.

Julia Onslow-Cole, Chair of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The newly created Women in Business group is a fantastic new initiative from LCCI that further cements its mission to ensure inclusivity across London’s business community. I am excited about all that this group will accomplish as we work to support women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses, providing mentorship, creating connections and an environment where women can secure success.”

Richard Burge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Genuine and tangible support for businesswomen needs to be delivered through action, not words. LCCI is committed to finding employment solutions that work to benefit all communities which is why we have launched this new group. It is my hope that through its establishment we will inspire, encourage and help female-led businesses and female entrepreneurs to drive their businesses forward.”

To find out more information and to join the Women in Business Group, please click here.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The figure that estimates that the UK economy could generate an additional £250bn if women had the means and access to start new businesses at the same rate as men comes from the first Women in Business report in 2019: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-alison-rose-review-of-female-entrepreneurship