Search begins for most inspiring women in retail

The 2018 Barclaycard Everywoman in Retail Awards is searching for the most inspiring women in the retail industry.

To address the growing online market, the awards will be themed “Reimagining Retail”. In 2017, 19.1% of retail sale were digital and that is set to increase to 25.2% by 2021. E-commerce sales in the UK were £81.5 billion in 2017.

Retail predominantly employs women, however Barclaycard points to research that shows they are less likely to fill senior positions, with director-level roles being 74% male and 26% female. It also shows that the average male manager makes 26.8% more than their female counterpart.

In 2016, Used Kitchen Exchange founder Helen Lord received the NatWest Everywoman Award in the Demeter category, which recognises the most inspiring woman running a business trading for three to five years.

The awards are looking to reward women at all stages of their careers. These range from a Rising Star Award for women under 22, to an Executive Leader Award for women further on in their careers. Other awards include: Above and Beyond; Leader of Change; Entrepreneur; Customer/User Experience Excellence; Outstanding Influencer, and an Innovator Award.

The Male Agent for Change Award will go to a man who has an active commitment in advancing the career progression of women in retail.

Maxine Benson, co-founder of Everywoman, said: “We are keen to highlight the many opportunities in retail and show that the industry provides more than jobs, but long-standing careers. It is imperative that we celebrate the role models – both male and female – who are already reshaping the retail landscape, in order to inspire and enable as many women as possible to go from the shopfloor to the top floor.”

Entries are open until May 14 May and the awards ceremony will be held on September 13 at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf.

  • For more information or to nominate someone, visit the Everywoman website
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