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.
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.
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.
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.
The SME London Business Awards are back! Enter today for your chance to win Business Woman of the Year 2025. This award will be presented to the best female business owner or a female who has had a positive impact on a business/es. They will show how they have exceptional drive to succeed and how they have been integral to making the business or businesses a success. Open for pre-launch entries now; apply for £15 + VAT.
To join the Women in Business Group you must be an LCCI Member or part of the free London Chamber Community Network:
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Samantha Gilchrist talks us through her five top tips to help women climb to the top of their business. From beating imposter syndrome, to building up the next generation, find out these tips in the latest issue of London Business Matters.
In April, we hosted a Women in Business networking lunch at LCCI where we were privileged to have the inspirational team from The Glasshouse - a social enterprise that offers horticultural training to women reaching the end of their sentence in UK prisons. During the event, Kali Hamerton-Stove, Managing Director and co-founder of The Glasshouse, shared her insights with us. We also had the privilege to hear Rhi's story, who spoke about how her experience working with Glasshouse has transformed her life.
We are delighted that LCCI’s recent policy proposal on the inclusion of women in trade deals has received strong support in a meeting convened by the Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network C.I.C (CBWN) and Bloomsbury Institute London at the Commonwealth Joint Office in New York during the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
LCCI's Women in Business group welcomed Natalie Campbell to the Chamber in March. As Co-CEO of the award-winning Belu Water, Natalie is revolutionising the drinks industry with an unwavering commitment to both people and the planet. Hosted by LCCI Director of Membership and Events Liz Henderson, Natalie shared her journey to success in a captivating and insightful Q&A, followed by networking of course.
For the third year running, we're taking the opportunity to shine a light on the fantastic female leaders we have within LCCI's membership and our Women in Business Advisory Board. This year, we asked Abby Ghafoor, Sarah Jo Loveday, Meenal Sambre and Corinna Field to explain what this day means to them, the barriers they've faced, and how we can help women in business grow.
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.
Watch Abby Ghafoor's interview after winning Menzies Business Woman of the Year at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry SME London Business Awards.
LCCI has formed a Women in Business Advisory Board, led by LCCI Director of Membership and Events, Liz Henderson. Membership of the Women in Business Advisory Board is mixed gender and the advisory board works with LCCI members to identify and address key issues and concerns.
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LCCI events are great opportunties to build new business connections and gain valuable industry insights. With over 200 events a year, there is plenty to choose from.
London Business Matters is the Chamber's bi-monthly magazine. The publication includes expert advice, indepth international trade insight, business trends and industry updates. Read exclusive interviews with leading business figures, case-studies from members and discover the latest news from London's business community.
Access exclusive offers and discounts on business support services, leisure and marketing benefits. Find a great collection of deals from a variety of companies in LCCI membership.
