Black Country Chamber of Commerce 

Black Country Women in Leadership was established by Black Country Chamber of Commerce to support and celebrate women in senior leadership roles.  The network provides a welcoming environment for women in business and aims to raise the profile of regional female leaders, whilst inspiring the next generation. Quarterly events provide opportunities for peer networking and information sharing whilst addressing inequalities and striving for parity within the region’s business community.  

The Women in Leadership network is overseen by a steering group of Chamber members and chaired by inspirational Chamber member Lucy Rook of BlackRook Academy.  Recent events have included ‘Me, Myself & I’ – breaking the stigma of imposter syndrome and ‘Socially Savvy Me’ – on the use of AI in social media and building your personal brand. 

The Women in Leadership network has also proudly launched the ‘Guiding Stars’ mentoring scheme for young women in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton. 

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce  

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce is committed to advancing gender equality. We’ve led several initiatives, including the launch of Women on Boards CIC at the House of Lords, showcasing our dedication to empowering women in leadership roles. We successfully relaunched our Women in Business Group, which has seen excellent engagement, fostering networking and mentorship with the opportunity to hear from poignant guests speakers such as Professor Helen Pankhurst CBE.   

Chambers Wales, South East, South West and Mid 

Chambers Wales is committed to fostering gender equality through impactful initiatives that empower equality in business. Led by myself, a former Chwarae Teg leader,  (gender equality charity) that informs and fuels both my work and the Chamber’s commitment, we have developed programmes that drive real change. 

Our Women’s Network, held quarterly, has welcomed over 300 women from member organisations, providing inspiration and networking opportunities. Each event features an inspirational speaker and a charity partner, encouraging women to contribute to meaningful causes. 

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, we also run a Men’s Health Network, with 300+ attendees, promoting wellbeing and allyship. Additionally, we launched the Chambers Equity Forum, bringing together 12 key Chamber organisations to drive and share best inclusion practices. 

These initiatives reflect our deep-rooted commitment to fostering an inclusive business community, with the Equity Forum’s findings set to be shared widely later this year, ensuring best practices reach the wider membership. 

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce 

In 2021 Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) put together, a successful mentoring scheme ‘21 in 21’.  We reached out to 21 successful women, CEOs,  Business owners and Leaders in Business to volunteer their time to Mentor 21 aspiring women in Business, including business owners and women who wanted to grow in their professional capacity. 

The programme was launched by Baroness McGregor Smith, CBE, the then President of the British Chambers Of Commerce.  CWCC devised the programme, put together Mentor and Mentee Guidelines, as well as hold face to face events to enable collaboration and peer to peer support.  The programme was an overwhelming success; we went on to deliver ‘22 in 22’ the following year.   Many of the 45 women went on to grow their businesses, take on new roles and start up successful businesses, quoting the advice and support from their Mentor as invaluable in giving them the confidence and practical advice to challenge themselves and take that next step. 

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce 

Cumbria is home to many inspiring female entrepreneurs, businesswomen and leaders. Our MD among them. She says it’s not unusual to sit in a meeting and ask someone if they’re the token man! 

Cumbria Chamber’s annual International Women’s Day conference is an established highlight of the local business calendar, connecting, inspiring and celebrating women countywide. We focus on opportunity and positivity.  

Hearing from a male delegate about how much he’d got from last year’s event, which he joined to help him better understand and support the many women in his workforce, we’ve been promoting this as an approach. This year he’s on our panel and we’ll be welcoming more male participants than ever. 

As ever this year’s event features an impressive line-up of  business and wider speakers and panellists including 20250212 Kelly Cornwell Keynote Introduction.mov. 

We follow a similarly inclusive approach for our annual International Men’s Day event. 

Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce 

On International Women’s Day 8th March 2021, the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce founded the Women With Vision network. The Women With Vision network are a community to educate inspire and promote women in business. We are dedicated to providing a range of events and forums throughout the year to help our members connect, learn and grow. 

Our events include panel discussions featuring industry leaders, networking events to help members connect with like-minded peers, summer events to celebrate the season and enjoy the company of fellow members, personal development sessions to help our members develop new skills and knowledge, and more. 

In addition to our regular events, we also celebrate important days such as International Women’s Day. This is a special day for us to come together and honour the achievements of women from all walks of life, and to recognise the challenges we still face in achieving true equality.

North East Chamber of Commerce 

 For more than 15 years, our Women’s Leadership Forum has championed gender equality, shaping policy, representation, events and member engagement. 

We launched the Women in the Workplace report and Gender Pay Gap toolkit, providing data-driven insights and practical support. Our Inspiring Women in Businessprogramme, spanning networking, seminars, a conference and awards allows us to address key topics like workplace trends, green jobs and STEM with agility 

Following a 2024 rebrand and an 11.5% rise in engagement, our influence continues to grow. This member-focused work naturally extends to our internal governance. We voluntarily publish gender pay gap data and embed diversity at every level. 

Rather than spotlighting one individual, we celebrate many: women hold 75% of board and executive team positions, 55% of council seats and key leadership roles, including our president and vice-president ensuring strong representation across finance, tech, health and culture. 

North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce 

North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has made significant strides in advancing gender equality within our local business community and the broader business ecosystem, particularly through the establishment of the Chambers Women in Business Network. This initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals by providing networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources tailored to their unique challenges and aspirations. 

We are proud to have three women in leadership positions within our Chamber: our CEO, President, and Immediate Past President. Their diverse experiences and strong leadership serve as a powerful example of what women can achieve in business. Under their guidance, we have implemented several initiatives that focus on promoting gender equality, including: 

• Mentorship Programs
• Workshops and Training
• Networking Events
• Advocacy

Through these initiatives, we aim to create a more inclusive business environment that not only supports women but also enriches the entire business community. We believe that when women succeed, communities thrive, and we are committed to making a lasting impact in this area.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce 

Sheffield Chamber is one of the joint leads on the development of the SHEAF group. It is a leadership group made up of female leaders in the city across public, private and third sector, to share ideas, issues and support one another. It is developing a mentoring scheme with to support female students at The Sheffield College to bring on the next generation of female leaders. The SHEAF members also support the See It Be It initiative that goes into schools to inspire future generations about different job roles and this has proven record of reducing NEET. 

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce  

 Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is committed to advancing gender equality by providing platforms for women in business to connect, grow, and lead. Our International Women’s Day event is a flagship initiative, bringing together inspiring speakers and networking opportunities to empower women across all sectors. The event attracts up to 400 local business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region. 

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce  

The WCNW Chamber of Commerce has been championing gender equality for many years and founded a Women’s Network event in 2013. The event brings together over 80 business women and entrepreneurs once a quarter to share experiences and celebrate successes. We hear from incredible women who share their stories and it is an inspirational community to be a part of. 

The Chamber is also proud to have a leadership team with women at the forefront with its CEO, Sarah Bailey, and Commercial Director, Carol Dolan, driving the Chamber forward into a period of growth. 

The Chamber’s Board of Directors also has strong female representation with five out of eight members being women, including the Chair and Deputy-Chair. 

With strong female representation throughout the organisation, the Chamber is at the forefront of advancing gender equality within the local business community. 

Doncaster Chamber of Commerce 

Our Women in Business Event Programme is a dynamic and inspiring initiative that celebrates and honours local businesswomen while addressing key challenges affecting women in the business world. Covering critical topics such as accessing finance, attracting and retaining talent, and navigating leadership, the programme provides a platform for women across sectors to share their stories, experiences, and insights. 

What began as a series of networking lunches has now evolved into a flagship half-day conference, featuring powerful panel discussions, inspirational guest speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities. These events not only spotlight the remarkable achievements of women in business but also shape the future workforce by inspiring the next generation. 

By fostering an environment that inspires, connects, and empowers, the programme has become a key highlight of the business calendar, reinforcing our commitment to supporting women’s success in every stage of their careers. 

Dorset Chamber of Commerce 

We’ve had a strong focus on improving gender equality for many years. Chief Executive Ian Girling joined the with an all-male and ageing board of Directors. Now seven out of 12 directors are female and the age range is improved. Within our Council of 16 Ambassadors, 10 are female as are the Chair and Vice Chair. 

In recent years, we had two consecutive female Presidents, with only one female President before this. Our youngest female board member also leads our Future Leaders programme. 

We champion women in the workplace and two years ago led a groundbreaking menopause campaign with the aim of educating both women and men and encouraging employers to adopt policies to support women experiencing the menopause in the workplace. The programme gained national media coverage. 

We’ve also had a very strong focus on making our events inclusive and inviting and female engagement within our Chamber stronger is much stronger and we also attract a very diverse audience at our events. 

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) 

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has delivered its Enterprising Women network for more than 27 years (see Enterprising Women – East Midlands Chamber) for information).  

Enterprising Women is a vibrant network of more than 700 female professionals, celebrating the success of female business leaders across the three cities and counties that supports business owners to connect, grow and succeed throughout their careers. The network supports the development of valuable relationships through a series of networking events, improving personal and professional skills at through interactive seminars and workshops delivered by carefully curated guest speakers.  

The network has been led by co-Chairs, Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain for the last 27 years – both are passionate about female led businesses, supporting members to optimise their personal development, supporting the next generation of female entrepreneurs and seeing them thrive. Both put hundreds of hours each year into support this growing network. 

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 

At Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to advancing gender equality by empowering female entrepreneurs to grow, attract investment, and lead with confidence. Our newly launched Women in Business: Entrepreneurial Growth Programme provides tailored support to female founders across Scotland, offering expert-led workshops, one-to-one coaching, and networking opportunities to drive business success. 

Through this initiative, we break down barriers by equipping women with the leadership skills, strategic growth insights, and investment knowledge needed to scale their businesses. Participants also benefit from peer-to-peer support and ongoing Chamber membership, ensuring long-term impact. 

By accelerating action, we’re not just supporting women-led businesses – we’re strengthening the wider business ecosystem, fostering innovation, and championing inclusive growth. #AccelerateAction 

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition  

According to the Gender Index, just 5 per cent of private equity, 3 per cent of angel and 0 per cent of venture capital investments in the West Midlands went to women-led businesses during 2024.  

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are looking to change that. Now entering its third year, the Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition gives high potential women-led businesses the opportunity to connect with, and pitch to, leading investors.  

Past winners and shortlisted companies have gone on to make connections and develop their pitching skills that have resulted in investment and other opportunities to grow their business.  

The initiative is organised by the GBCC, in partnership with NatWest and the British Business Bank. 

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce 

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has a Business Women’s Network featuring quarterly events and an annual International Women’s Day celebration. Collaborating with partners, they aim to address the gender gap in business. Examples from the past 12 months include a seminar with Families & Babies focused on workplace accessibility for mothers, and hosting a delegation of 50 women-led businesses from Africa and Asia through the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme. The Chamber also supported the FreelanceHER100 programme, which helps women launch and grow sustainable businesses in GM, and has been involved in projects like the Pankhurst Fawcett Scorecard with GM4Women. This work highlights their commitment to promoting equality in business. 

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce 

Our Chamber has been a strong advocate for advancing gender equality within our local business community. Through initiatives like the annual Women’s Business Conference and Women’s Business Forums held throughout the year, we have created valuable platforms for women to connect, learn, and thrive in their professional journeys. These events offer a space for women to share their experiences, access resources, and build networks that empower them to break barriers and lead in their fields. 

Additionally, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our Leadership Team, where 83% of the members are inspiring women who actively shape our Chamber’s vision and growth. By providing these opportunities and fostering a supportive environment, we are not only elevating women in business but also setting a strong example for others to follow in driving meaningful change toward gender equality in the workplace. 

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce 

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to accelerating action for gender equality. For over a decade, we have championed female leadership through our Women in Leadership Conferences and Leadership Lunches, providing a platform for inspiring speakers such as Kelly Smith MBE, Camilla Tominey and Jo Fairley. 

This year, we introduced the Women in Leadership Awards, celebrating exceptional female leaders across our business community. Our commitment extends beyond events; our Chamber magazine, Inspire, spotlights female trailblazers, ensuring their voices are heard. 

Our leadership reflects our values: our current CEO, Donna Schultz, has risen through the Chamber’s ranks, embodying empowerment and business excellence. She actively promotes women in business, fostering inclusivity and representation at every level. 

Through these initiatives, we are not just talking about change, we are driving it. Together, we can #AccelerateAction for a more equitable future. 

London Chamber of Commerce  

At LCCI, we actively support women in business through our London and international networks. Our Women in Business group provides practical resources, including networking opportunities, peer-to-peer support, and leadership development. The group aims to inspire women to overcome specific challenges, particularly in male-dominated sectors, advocating for equal opportunities and greater representation in leadership roles. We provide a platform for women to build connections, share experiences, and access valuable career development opportunities. 

We are committed to making lasting change by championing women’s advancement in business, ensuring they have the support and opportunities needed to succeed. 

Click here to learn more about our initiatives and our events.

Australian British Chamber of Commerce 

The Australian British Chamber of Commerce is proud to champion gender equality by prioritising diverse voices in our programming and attendee make-up. From intimate boardroom breakfasts to 400+ person business lunches and our flagship International Catalysts, we ensure we curate panels and audiences who bring their diverse perspectives and lived experiences to the discussion. Our annual International Women’s Day breakfasts exemplify this commitment. These highly sought-after events celebrate women’s achievements, amplify female voices, dissect gender parity issues, all in an effort to and accelerate action on gender equality. 

Our team is comprised of a majority of women from a range of professional and cultural backgrounds. We are proud of our diverse and inclusive team, and the efforts we make in championing inclusivity. This attitude is a top-down effort, with our Chief Executive Ticky Fullerton, and Head of Domestic Programming, Jenny Garber, leading the charge in ensuring diverse voices are heard and respected at all events. 

British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce  

At the British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce (BBCC), we are committed to advancing gender equality through initiatives that empower women in business. Under the leadership of our female Chair, Miroslava Kostadinova, we are proud to launch the Women Founder UK programme in September 2025, bringing a group of Bulgarian women entrepreneurs to the Leeds Digital Festival. This initiative will provide them with invaluable networking, mentorship, and business development opportunities within the UK’s dynamic tech ecosystem. Did you know Bulgaria has the highest percentage of women employed in information and communication technologies (ICT) among all EU member states? In 2022, Bulgarian women held almost 29% of positions in ICT, representing the highest male-to-female ratio in Europe, surpassing the union-wide average of 19%. 

 British Chamber of Commerce Dubai 

The British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) has embedded ESG into our core values, with a strong emphasis on DEI initiatives. In gender equality, our female membership has more than doubled  in just five years. Our ‘return to work’ initiative has played a key role in encouraging employers to offer flexible working opportunities for women and parents re-entering the workforce after relocating or raising children. BCCD was also a Founding Partner of the first GCC Menopause Summit, bringing global and regional experts to Dubai to discuss and raise awareness of this crucial women’s health topic. We take pride in our diverse Board, elected by our members, which reflects various backgrounds and ethnicities – four of our nine Board Members are women. BCCD CEO Katy Holmes, along with our Board and Business Team, is deeply committed to championing diversity within our membership and the wider community. 

UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce  

Advocacy and Policy Influence: Webinars to discuss how to create a more equitable and inclusive tax environment that supports the growth and empowerment of women-led businesses in Ghana. 

• Women and Tax : Enhancing Financial Inclusion in Ghana
• Defaulting on tax payments: GRA Assistant Commissioner encourages business owners to request extensions to avoid penalties
• Empowering Women and Girls: A Glimpse into the Life of a Female CEO in Ghana

Research and Publications: Conducting and supporting research on gender equality in the business sector. Women and Taxation Report

Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborating with local and international women-led businesses to highlight the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in business. More here 

Inclusive Networking Events: We ensure that our networking events and business forums are inclusive and provide equal opportunities for all participants. This helps to break down barriers and create a more diverse and inclusive business community. More here

British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai 

To celebrate International Women’s Day, BritCham Shanghai is proud to highlight our commitment to advancing gender equality within the local business community. Our Women in Business Committee actively supports women in their aspirations for leadership and professional growth through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and community building. Key initiatives include the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, partnering with Shanghai Mentor Walks, which connect emerging female leaders with seasoned professionals for guidance and support. 

British and Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland 

The British and Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland (B3CF) has been a strong advocate for gender equality, promoting women’s leadership and empowerment across sectors. A key initiative is the International Women’s Day 2025 event, co-hosted with the Indian Embassy Finland and Indian Women in Finland Ry, focusing on accelerating action towards gender equality. 

British Chamber of Commerce Indonesia 

The BritCham Indonesia Professional Women’s Group was established as an initiative by current CEO Chris Wren. Now known as the Professional Women’s HUB, it will next month celebrate its 15th anniversary and remains the only dedicated professional women’s group among foreign Chambers.   

We are proud to have sustained advancing gender equality in business in Indonesia with the mission and vision elevating women by providing a platform that empowers them to succeed and grow in their professional lives. Over the years, we have hosted at least six events annually, showcasing prominent, successful women across various business sectors. These events not only highlight inspiring role models but also encourage younger women to embrace entrepreneurial challenges.  

In the Asian context, we are particularly proud to offer practical insights that help women balance the traditional expectations of domestic life with their career ambitions, fostering a more inclusive and fair business environment for all. 

British Chamber of Commerce Chile 

BritCham Chile is deeply committed to advancing gender equality, not just as a one-day observance, but as a year-round focus. One of our most well-attended events each year is our Women’s Leadership Summit, Cumbre de Mujeres Líderes, now in its 7th year. This gathering celebrates and promotes women in leadership. Over the years, we’ve made a conscious effort to achieve gender parity on our Board of Directors, proudly collaborating with inspiring female CEOs and leaders from companies such as HSBC, BUPA, Anglo American, EY, and an honorary member from the British Embassy. Additionally, the Chamber is led by our female Executive Director, further demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are partnering with our BritCham colleagues in the LATAC network to host a regional webinar honoring women leaders. These initiatives reflect our ongoing mission to create an equal and supportive environment for women in the business community. 

British Colombian Chamber of Commerce 

At the British-Colombian Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to advancing gender equality in our community. In line with Colombia’s legal mandate for 30% female participation on boards by 2026, we are proud to share that our Board of Directors already exceeds this target, with 5 women out of 11 members—15% ahead of the goal. Our office team of 11 members consists of 9 women, fostering a supportive and empowering workplace led by inspiring individuals. 

Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce  

At the NBCC, we actively drive gender equality by elevating women in leadership, making it a strategic priority. McKinsey’s Diversity Wins report shows that companies with strong gender diversity at the executive level are 25% more likely to outperform financially. 

Our flagship International Women’s Day event celebrates female achievements and highlights actionable steps to accelerate progress and break down barriers. Through the NBCC Woman of the Year Award, we recognise female leaders who inspire change. 

We ensure gender balance at every event, with no all-male panels. Our commitment starts at the top: for the first time since 1891, a female Chair and Executive Director lead the NBCC, and women now make up over 50% of our executive team and supervisory board.

British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce – Genoveva Christova-Murray  
One inspiring leader in our network is Genoveva Christova-Murray, former BBCC Board member and Founder and Managing Director of Ligna Group. She is an emblematic figure who has inspired and mentored many Bulgarian female leaders. Her dedication to supporting female entrepreneurs has been instrumental in shaping the Women Founder UK initiative. Her efforts in fostering cross-border collaboration and championing women-led innovation embody the mission of BBCC. 

British Chamber of Commerce Germany – Ilka Hartmann, CEO 

With our CEO, Ilka Hartmann, at the helm we’re proud of our predominantly female Head Office team and strong female representation across our Board, Council & Regional Committees. We also know there’s always room for improvement, and we’re committed to fostering a diverse workplace and community, where talent and leadership know no gender boundaries. 

At the BCCG, we believe that real progress is rooted in action, which is why we continue to empower women, champion equal opportunities, and drive meaningful change. Our SHeconomy Virtual Talk Series, launched six years ago under Ilka Hartmann’s leadership, is a vibrant communication platform dedicated to women in business. It’s focused on economic and political topics, fosters exchange and innovation and helps women expand their network and leadership impact. 

Ilka Hartmann embodies the Chamber’s core values: openness, reliability, trust, and building bridges, and a steadfast commitment to female empowerment, reflected in the rising number of our female-led member companies. 

Let’s continue to accelerate action for a business world where diversity thrives in a future in which equality is the standard.  

Leading the way, the BCCG walks the talk! 

British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai – Kirsten Johnston 

A standout member who embodies the values and mission of our Chamber network is Kirsten Johnston, the Founder and CEO of JWDK. Kirsten has been an active member of BritCham Shanghai since 2017, serving as Vice Chair of the Executive Committee and currently as Chair. She has been instrumental in the Chamber’s rebranding efforts and the launch of the Creative Industries & Marketing Committee. Her leadership and dedication to diversity and gender equality have significantly contributed to the Chamber’s mission and direction. 

British and Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland – Nora Haapala, Board Member and Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie 

As a Board Member and Treasurer of B3CF, I, Nora Haapala, work to advance these goals alongside my colleagues. With my background as an Attorney-at-law and IPIT & compliance specialist, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for women in leadership roles and helping guide businesses through complex legal landscapes. 

Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, a member of our Chamber, also embodies our mission. Cecilia has built a kindergarten from the ground up and now runs accredited CPD courses. Her leadership, financial expertise and commitment to mentorship empower others to drive lasting change. 

British Colombian Chamber of Commerce – Marta Ramírez, Board Member 

One standout woman in our organization is Martha Ramírez, a valued member of our Board and CEO of Skáld Advisory Group. Martha is passionate about her multifaceted roles and advocating for growth and inclusion in her industries. For example, she is participating in an upcoming webinar on the significance of diversity and inclusion on boards, reinforcing her commitment to driving positive change and development for all.

British Chamber of Commerce Korea – Elspeth Stewart, Programme Director, Empower Programme 

Elspeth Stewart never ceases in her efforts to promote women in the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea and women in Korea in general. Elspeth is the Programme Director for the BCCK’s women in business programme, Empower. Over the last two years she has given her time and effort to turn it from just an idea into a driving force for gender equity. Elspeth makes every woman she comes across feel cared for and that she will fight for their equal treatment. She is a role model and a friend. She is the first to turn up to help the Chamber team set up for events and she represents us in high-level speaking engagements. We couldn’t ask for anyone better to be part of the Chamber. 

Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce – Heba Bevan, Chair  

Heba Bevan OBE, Chair of NBCC and CEO of tech company UtterBerry, is a powerful advocate for gender equality and a trailblazer in AI.  

As the first female Chair of NBCC, she promotes gender equality in AI and fosters an inclusive business environment that celebrates women’s contributions. Heba’s leadership is result-driven, advancing gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles. Her drive, excellence, and energy have propelled the NBCC to new heights, fostering collaboration between Dutch and British public and private sectors.  

Heba’s resilience and trust-building abilities help overcome challenges while prioritizing inclusivity and mentorship. She has received numerous prestigious awards. Heba’s work in technology earned her an OBE in 2018. Her leadership reflects NBCC’s core values of excellence, trust, member centricity and resilience. 

UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce – Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director

Commitment to Gender Equality: Adjoba Kyiamah is a strong advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Under her leadership, 80% of the employees at the UKGCC are women.  She also actively promotes initiatives that support women in business, ensuring that the UKGCC’s programmes and events are inclusive and provide equal opportunities for all member companies. More here.

Leadership and Vision: Under her leadership, the UKGCC has continued to grow and expand its influence. She has a clear vision for the UKGCC’s role in fostering strong business relationships between the United Kingdom and Ghana, and she works tirelessly to achieve this vision. More here. 

Promotion of Trade and Investment: She is dedicated to promoting trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Ghana. Through her efforts, the UKGCC has facilitated numerous business opportunities for United Kingdom and Ghana businesses, fostering economic growth and development in both countries. More here.  

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce – Charlotte Horobin, CEO  

Charlotte Horobin is our first female CEO, who was named in both the Women in Trade Associations Powerlist 2022 and The Manufacturer Top 100 2022. We are proud to have Faye Holland, Managing Partner of multi-award-winning PR & Marketing consultancy cofinitive, a Cambridge Management Consulting Company, appointed as Chair. Faye is hailed as ‘one of the UK’s top marketing strategists’, she’s a regular feature in Computer Weekly’s esteemed list of the ‘UK’s Most Influential Women in Tech’ and was nationally recognised last year as one of the ‘InspiringFifty’ women in tech. 

Chambers Wales, South East, South West and Mid – Penny Lock, Director of Partnerships 

Penny Lock is a shining example and continues to inspire our Chamber team, members, and wider network. As Director of Partnerships and a key advocate for equity, she has been instrumental in driving initiatives forward. Her leadership in founding the Equity Forum has made a lasting impact, demonstrating her commitment to equality and empowering others to take action. Penny’s passion for fostering diversity and inclusion truly embodies the Chamber’s mission and inspires our entire network. 

Devon Chamber of Commerce – Clare Baker Membership Experience Manager 

Clare was formerly a Barclays Manager and started and ran South West Women in Business, continuing to advocate for women since joining us.  She gave evidence to the VAWG committee after the sad murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod in Plymouth. She has run menopause awareness events and advocates for positive mental health and wellbeing, often taking members sea-swimming at the crack of dawn as part of our net-swimming event in the summer or Net Spinning spin-classes in the winter. Clare sits on numerous boards including the City Centre BID and a charity that rehabilitates the perpetrators of male violence against women. She is a kind, caring, considerate manager and goes above and beyond for our members daily. She epitomises the values of the Chamber. 

North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce – Jane Cole, Immediate Past President 

Since taking on the role of MD at Blackpool Transport in 2014, Jane Cole, former President and now immediate past President of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of commerce has revolutionised the traditional model of bus operations by prioritising customer experience, leading to improved services and increased customer satisfaction. 

Through strategic partnerships and effective communication, Jane has expanded the chamber’s network, increased its influence, and created valuable opportunities for members. Collaborative efforts with stakeholders have resulted in successful events, funding for projects, and advocacy for policies supporting the local business community. 

Jane holds a number of significant positions.  She is an executive board member for Blackpool & Fylde College, Grand Theatre Blackpool, and Blackpool BID. Jane is also a member of Women in Transport, the chair of the advisory group for Common Purpose, and the chair of trustees for the RSPCA Blackpool. 

In 2021, Jane made history by becoming the first woman president of the CPT. She is also the executive director of Album, a Commonwealth World Leader in 2016, and the president of the Light Rail Tramway Association, Fylde Tramway Society, Omnibus, a member of UK Tram, a fellow of CILT, and  board member of the Blackpool Pride of Place Board.  She is a sector champion for the bus/tram sector for people with disabilities, showcasing her dedication to inclusivity and accessibility within the community. 

Devon Chamber of Commerce – Kyra Taylor-Reid, Accounts Assistant 

Kyra Taylor-Reid joined the Chamber as a kick-starter in 2021 at 19 years of age, but soon ended up managing that programme for the Chamber!  After taking an interest in the financial side of the business she is undertaking her AAT Qualification and also covers in our International Trade department. Kyra knows every part of the business and has become an invaluable member of the team. She demonstrates what can be achieved with the right motivation, guidance and support. 

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce – Tracey Viner, Policy and Public Impact Lead 

Tracy Viner is our lead on Policy and Public Impact. She sits as the Sheffield Chamber Director on the Made in Sheffield Board, playing an essential role in highlighting the work of manufacturers in the city and to future generations through the inception of the Made in Sheffield Academy, a joint collaboration with The Sheffield College highlighting STEM opportunities and being a female role model. Made in Sheffield supports the work of the Work-Wise foundation and Better Learners Better Workers, both  collaborating with employers to help the next generation be aware of work opportunities and be work ready. Tracy also sits as a Board Member for the Sheffield UTC (made up of 3 academies). She is passionate about equal opportunities for all. 

Dorset Chamber of Commerce – Helen Stacey, Board Member, Chair of Council of Ambassadors (Aspire Jobs) 

 Helen is a Board Member and leads the Chamber Ambassadors.  She has been a Member for many years, and a business owner for 35. She is a huge contributor to her local Ferndown community too and a member of the Employment Advisory Board at Guys Marsh Prison in Shaftesbury to help rehabilitate offenders and find them work.  Helen is quietly highly effective and way too humble. 

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce – Sarah Heaney, Membership Manager 

At Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to supporting women in business, and our Membership Manager, Sarah Heaney, is leading by example. As a regular host of Glasgow Chamber’s quarterly Women’s Networking Lunches, she gives women a platform to share their insights and experience. As President of Scottish Women in Business (SWIB) Sarah has played a key role in launching a new virtual networking collaboration with SWIB, The Glasglow Girls Club, Business Women Connections and Boss Girls—creating more opportunities for women to connect, share knowledge, and grow their businesses. 

Through her work, she champions female entrepreneurship and leadership, helping to break down barriers and build a more inclusive business community. At the Chamber, we’re proud to support initiatives like this that drive real change, ensuring that women have the networks and resources they need to succeed. By accelerating action on gender equality, we’re making meaningful progress—not just in conversation, but in real opportunities for women in business. 

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce- Lucy Mulligan, Head of Marketing 

Lucy epitomises the values and nature of the Chamber network. Having worked for GMCC for 12 years now in a variety of roles, Lucy now sits on our Senior Management Team overseeing our work in Marketing and Events. Lucy has played a key role in developing the way of working across our whole organisation – assisting in improving everything from our communications/marketing content through to reassessing all of our HR policies to ensure that we create a welcoming, friendly and inclusive environment for our staff to thrive. Lucy embodies the positive, hardworking and collaborative culture that is the centre of our work at Greater Manchester Chamber by, not only striving to perform at the highest possible levels, but spending a large amount of her time working to develop/support staff members both professionally and personally. She truly is a pleasure to work with being extremely popular both with our staff and members. 

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce  – Emma Holt, Reader at MMU – GM Chamber President 

Emma’s presidential themes cover skills, sustainability and EDI – she’s an active Chamber President, supporting our Local President team and the Greater Manchester Chamber’s staff body. Emma is a fantastic advocate for the Chamber and celebrates our involvement in culture, community and commerce. Emma has gone above and beyond to create strong links between the Chamber and MMU to drive initiatives such as AI @ BIZ, a programme designed to promote the use of AI and real use cases of AI to the business community.  

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce – Lea-Anne Gardner, Senior Events and Commercial Manager – GM Chamber Staff 

Lea-Anne has worked for the Chamber for 9 years, and has recently taken on more responsibility for the events programme of the Chamber. Lea-Anne has worked tirelessly over the last few months to strengthen our local area networks to build our communities in each borough of the region. In the first 6 weeks of 2025, 6/6 events were a sell out seeing over 520 delegates, 120 of which were non-members, new to the community and accessing the support of our Chamber. Lea-Anne has also developed her own event series in Partnership with Manchester Central called ‘Manchester: A Destination for Business’ looking at how we increase the Chamber’s connectivity with the rest of the UK and globally too. We’ve had the likes of JP Morgan, Addleshaw Goddard, Marketing Manchester on the panel and it’s now a sought after event, seeing 150+ delegates each time. Lea-Anne embodies the Chamber’s mission to create a thriving, welcoming and inclusive business community. 

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce  – Amy Swindells, Head of International Professional Services 

Amy started with the Chamber 11 yrs ago when she joined us as an international trade officer.  Since then, she has developed a successful career in international trade becoming not only one of our most respected members of the team but an expert in the field of trade and customs and managing our team of international trade & customs advisers.   She has been instrumental in the development of our services over the years, particularly taking leadership in implementing new services such as customs clearance,  training services as well as developing cross-border partnerships and our in-house capabilities to deliver specialised advisory and consultancy services supporting traders overcome trade barriers and succeed in international markets.   

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce – Donna Schultz, CEO 

Donna Schultz, has risen through the Chamber’s ranks, embodying empowerment and business excellence. She actively promotes women in business, fostering inclusivity and representation at every level.