Women in retail awards open for entry
28 May 2010 10:47
Everywoman, the UK's largest independent network for women in business, is welcoming entries from women in retail for their third Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards. The awards were established to help redress the gender balance in management roles within retail by highlighting inspirational role models and their various accomplishments, many of which would otherwise go unnoticed. As of the end of September 2009, the UK retail industry employed over 2.8 million people, which equates to 11% of the total UK workforce.
Additionally, although 60% of employees in retail are women, there are very few females in senior management positions, with less than 5% female CEOs in retail companies and only 8% of purchasing decisions within these organisations being made by women.
Maxine Benson, co-founder and director of everywoman commented: "Every year these awards uncover stories of inspirational women who are great role models for the industry. They are women whose success will inspire and motivate more young women to consider a career in the sector.
"These talented women are working in every organization and we want to encourage these women and employers to enter this year to receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work and achievements."
The panel of judges involves a select group of women who are dedicated to the cause of increasing the number of women working in management roles within retail. Judges include Rose Foster, past CEO of Monsoon Accessorize & La Senza; Kim Morton, chair of the Fashion Retail Academy; Carrie Rubin, director of Pentland Group; Sharon O'Connor, managing director of Oasis Group PLC and Julia Reynolds, CEO of Figleaves.
Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers said: "There are some excellent opportunities for women in the retail industry.
"Although there are not as many women in senior positions as there should be, there are many good prospects. At Specsavers, many of our stores are owned by female opticians who recognise the importance of excellent customer service and high retail standards."
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