Women in business in Buckinghamshire

On International Women’s Day, we draw attention to women in business in Buckinghamshire and their advice for growing businesses.

The stats don’t lie – Buckinghamshire women in employment

Buckinghamshire has the highest percentage of women in employment in the whole country, with nearly 78 per cent of all women aged 16-64 in employment, according to the ONS’ Annual Population Survey 2018. Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe districts have especially high rates.

Buckinghamshire also has the highest percentage of female managers, directors and senior officials out of all women in employment. Here it’s Chiltern and South Bucks’ districts that perform best, both placed in the top 7 of all districts in the country.

While these figures are impressive and reflect well on Buckinghamshire, the people behind the stats are inspirational. Drawing attention to successful business women and tapping into their experience is so important to show coming generations of women that they too can be successful in their careers.

Buckinghamshire Growth Champions

Two such successful business leaders - Angela Spang, Founder of JUNE MEDICAL, and Jane Campbell, Managing Director of PCL Corporatewear - have been named as Buckinghamshire Growth Champions.

Jane was named Business Leader of the Year at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2017. In a sign of how inspirational and popular she is with her team, a colleague described their reaction to her win: “When she was announced as the winner we couldn’t have been more proud. Her unique leadership skills have formed a growing, successful business which is a great place to work - and this award is a testimony to that.” There’s no doubt that Jane is the kind of leader who can inspire her team - and others - to dream big and win big.

Read about the Velocity Growth Grant that PCL Corporatewear received and the benefits they have enjoyed from it.

Get winning advice from Angela Spang, Buckinghamshire Growth Champion

This relationship between business owner and employee is important to Angela too. As someone who runs three businesses from one office in High Wycombe, she is generous with advice on all aspects of running a business and also gives her time to inspire University of Buckingham students on entrepreneurship.

Watch Angela’s video full of her top tips for growing a business >

Innovate UK: Women in innovation campaign

'Women in innovation' is Innovate UK's first diversity and inclusion campaign aimed at getting more women innovating in business. There is a women-only competition with grant funding, mentoring and business support all available.

Find out more about Innovate UK's 'Women in innovation' campaign >

Buckinghamshire Business First’s MD recognised for contribution

Buckinghamshire Business First’s Managing Director Philippa Batting was recently named by the Bucks Examiner as one of Buckinghamshire’s women who “inspire and lead” – and we wholeheartedly agree with that!

Judging by the number of women in work and in decision-making positions in Buckinghamshire, and by the real-life inspirations like Angela and Jane, Buckinghamshire’s business scene is full of opportunity for those with the drive and ambition to chase their goals.

Let us help you with your business ambitions

Buckinghamshire Business First can help you and your business succeed – that goes for anyone, male or female, young or old. Get in touch with our business support team: 01494 927130 / BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com. You can also book a meeting with a member of our business support team by filling out this quick form.

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