Azets proudly supported a momentous event that celebrated the pivotal roles of women in leadership. Held in Gloucester on Thursday, June 15th, the event brought together members of the local business community, and like-minded business leaders. Throughout the event, the panel of inspiring women in business shared their remarkable leadership journeys, , underscoring the importance of gender equality, the need to overcome bias, and the need for creating thriving leadership opportunities for women across various sectors.

The panel comprised of influential figures from diverse backgrounds. The esteemed Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, attended the event, recounting her own path in religious leadership. As the first female bishop in the Church of England in 2015, Bishop Rachel emphasised the significance of staying true to oneself in a leadership role and being authentic throughout.

Rachel Geliamassi, the Managing Director of Stagecoach West, brought her vast knowledge and expertise in the transport industry to the forefront. She shared personal anecdotes of overcoming doubt in decision-making and highlighted the importance of confronting gender bias whenever encountered. Juliet Davenport, the visionary founder and former Chief Executive of Good Energy, delved into her commitment to sustainability. Her pioneering work in promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions was showcased, while she also discussed the challenges she faced as a leader. Davenport emphasized the crucial role of authentic leadership and the power of influencing organisational culture.

Harriet Ward, HR Director of Benefact Group, offered valuable insights into the challenges of perception. She stressed the importance of finding one's rightful place and the ongoing journey of embracing personal truth. Ward highlighted the significance of confidence and embracing differences to unlock one's true potential.

Millie Wood, the ex-Gloucester and England rugby player, shared her experiences as a leader within the world of rugby. Wood emphasised the significance of leading by example through actions, portraying the best leaders as those who inspire through their own behaviour.

Bishop Rachel said: “I was delighted to be able to support The Nelson Trust in this celebration of women’s leadership, and to hear the insights and experiences of my fellow female panellists Rachel, Juliet, Millie and Harriet, as we discussed our roles and the positive impact women’s leadership can have on wider society.

“So much of leadership is about relationship and it was a joy to meet and connect in support of an excellent cause. I’m grateful to the Benefact Group for hosting the evening and Azets, Cooper Associates and WSP Solicitors for their generous support. “The event raised vital funds for the work of The Nelson Trust, bringing belief, hope and long-term recovery to those people whose lives have been torn apart from addiction.”

The event was supported by Azets, Benefact Group, Cooper Associates Group and WSP, with all proceeds raised from the event donated to The Nelson Trust. A total of £3,500 was raised for the Nelson Trust.

Claire Clift, Office Managing Partner for Azets Gloucester has said: “We were delighted to support an event that champions women throughout our local community. It is not only a cause that is close to my heart, but also an essential initiative for building a more equitable and inclusive society. By championing women's leadership, we empower individuals to break through barriers and contribute their perspectives to the business world. We also strongly advocate supporting local charities such as The Nelson Trust which raises money for those whose lives have been torn apart by addiction and trauma.”

Pictured above are the panel and organisers Women in Leadership event. From left to right: Chris Pitt (Benefact), Juliet Davenport, Neil Wyatt (Cooper associates), Harriet Ward, Rachel Geliamassi, Silas Miller (WSP solicitors), Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Martyn Freeman (Azets), Millie Wood, Camella Cephas (panel Chair – WSP solicitors) and Ranja Abbott (The Nelson Trust).

About Azets UK

Azets UK is the UK’s largest regional accounting firm and specialist business advisor to SMEs. It is part of Azets Group, an SME-focused international accounting, tax, audit, advisory and business services group, with over 7,000 people, including more than 600 Partners, in the UK and Europe. Azets supports some 120,000 clients across its network of 165 offices in the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Romania. Its clients include enterprises, SMEs, large scale businesses, public sector organisations, and private clients, across multiple sectors.

In the UK, Azets employs more than 3,800 people and has 87 offices nationwide. Blick Rothenberg, the award-winning international corporate and private tax and accounting brand, and Nordic-based companies Karabingruppen, Legeregnskap, Luotsi Isännöinti, and Idur are also a part of Azets Group.

Azets’ client experience is based on delivering a highly personalised service, through its local office network and proprietary digital workplace technology Azets CoZone, a unique cloud-based portal. Azets CoZone offers SMEs a market-leading digital solution, with instant access to information about their business that simplifies workflows, increases operational productivity, and supports a more productive client relationship.

www.azets.co.uk

Media contact:

Florence Bate, Azets West Region PR contact
florence@florenceandfable.co.uk