Everywoman in Retail Awards
There is a shortage of female talent working at the top of the retail industry – and these awards seek to change that. While the retail industry employs 60% women, a very low proportion of those women are working in senior management. And there hasn’t been any significant difference in this situation in the past ten years. Research reveals there are less than 5% female CEOs in retail companies and only 8% of purchasing decisions made in the retail industry are made by women.

The retail industry needs more female role models – women that others can inspire to, women who are breaking down barriers and succeeding in the industry. The everywoman in Retail Awards will shine the spotlight on the women who are succeeding across the various sectors of this dynamic industry. These Awards will highlight their achievements and in doing so, will inspire more women to consider a career in retail.

Why do we need more women leaders in retail? Because it’s an economic imperative. Research with Fortune 500 companies showed that those with more women on their leadership teams achieved better financial results. And so, if the UK’s retail industry is to continue to flourish, we must provide opportunities for women to succeed in the business.

These Awards have been created to bring about positive change in the retail industry. Working in partnership with the Women in Retail forum and with the support of the government’s national Make your Mark in Retail Campaign, everywoman launched these inaugural Awards in January 2008. The Awards ceremony will take place at a prestigious dinner on 30 September at The Marriott Grosvenor Square, London.