The MBS Group

   

   

It’s been nearly two years since the release of the Davies Report into the presence of women in the business world. Since its unveiling, we at MBS have seen many of our clients actively encouraging a balanced shortlist of candidates, which is good news. FTSE 250 businesses in the retail, consumer and leisure spaces have all made good progress in appointing a greater percentage of women to their boards. That does not mean that we can rest on our laurels, but it’s a great start and people involved in board appointments all have an opportunity to continue making progress in this respect.

   

Diversity further down the FTSE 350 is still a challenge, however, with nearly half of companies still operating with no female directors. Indeed, save a few noteworthy exceptions, there are still a significant number of all-male boards, or boards with a token female non-executive. In the last year, we have seen the resignations of Majorie Scardino at Pearson and Cynthia Carroll at Anglo American, two pioneering women operating at the highest level. This worrying trend can be reversed, though, and I hope that more talented women will believe that there is no boardroom closed to them – that will be real progress. You can read more about our view on this issue here.

   

Please tell me if we can introduce you to women leaders who will add value to your board, particularly if you are a representative of a FTSE 250/350 firm.