News

International Women’s Day 2023 – Embracing equity

March 8, 2023
International Women’s Day offers us the opportunity, as a business, to celebrate and recognise the achievements of women. It has been observed the world-over since the early 1900s, and this year has the theme #EmbraceEquity.

This is something which is particularly important to us as we recognise that we are operating in a sector which has historically been dominated by men.

The tide is certainly turning in that regard, with more and more women entering the property profession.

Indeed, we now have a 50/50 balance between women and men now coming into the business at entry level, which bodes well for the future.

Managing Partner, Matthew Samuel-Camps, commented: “Celebrating the achievements of women in our business, and supporting our women throughout their career journey with us, is incredibly important.

“We are only too aware of some of the issues that women – historically and concurrently – face in this sector. From equal pay and glass ceilings to supporting career growth post-children, as well as the potential adverse impact of the menopause – the challenges are many.”

“At Vail Williams, we believe that success and its associated rewards is founded on merit and expertise, as opposed to gender. Our values and purpose as a progressive organisation are entirely aligned with the way in which we support women and their career journeys with us, as well as exploring more holistic initiatives that impact beyond our business.”

For example, we are looking at ways we can support our women at the peri-menopause and menopause stage with the introduction of our Menopause Matters campaign.

This involves the implementation of both practical support for those that may need it in the form of menopause ‘first aid’ kits, as well as the recent roll out of menopause awareness training amongst the wider business, to increase understanding of this often-challenging time in a woman’s life.

An example of the more holistic approach we are taking to support women, is the recently forged relationship with Smart Works, which will see us donate smart workwear to support unemployed women at job interview.

Smart Works is a UK charity that exists to give women the confidence they need to reach their full potential, secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.

Tanya Horscroft, Learning & Development Manager, said: “As a responsible employer, we always endeavour to deliver a valued contribution to our wider communities – on this occasion by supporting Smart Works, we hope to play a small role in this charity’s work to support around 5,000 women a year across the UK.”

The women supported by Smart Works are referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service and youth organisations.

“We are running a clothes drive across our offices throughout March and the donations of workwear will be utilised by Smart Works, which has supported over 25,000 women since it first opened in London in 2013,” added Tanya.

Carole Taylor, LLP Member and Regional Managing Partner for the Birmingham and North region, concluded: “The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is certainly apt. As a firm, we strive for a balanced, diverse and inclusive workforce, with a focus on equity at all levels of our hierarchy.

“But it is important to recognise that we know there is always more that we can do, and we are absolutely committed to achieving more to empower our women to reach their full property career potential.”