On International Women’s Day we’re taking some time to reflect on the positive actions we’ve taken, over the past 12 months, to build a business where we hope everyone is proud to work, every day.

We firmly believe that equality should be part of everything we do and we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our organisation, and those who champion their work.

While we’re always looking for ways to improve, here are five steps that we’ve taken;

1. Appointed an Executive team with a 50/50 gender balance and focused on increasing the representation of women at director level; through a combination of continued succession planning, talent pipeline development and external recruitment.

2. Increased female brand ambassadors with an amazing line up of women including Berghaus ambassadors Rhiane Fatinikun, Zahra Mahmood and Iona Rendall, Speedo ambassadors Abbey Weitzeil, Kathleen Baker, Missy Franklin, Hali Flickinger and Becca Meyers in the US and Alice Tai, Ellie Simmonds, Siobhan-Marie O’Connor and Freya Anderson in the UK, and ellesse ambassadors Mel Reid, Johanna Konta and Wolftyla.

3. Supported our goal of levelling the playing field for women in sport, through initiatives like Canterbury ‘Give It A Try’ to support young women in rugby.

4. Supported charities that empower women through education, employment and opportunities, including Young Women’s Trust, The British Council and The Prince’s Trust.

5. Formed employee Positive Business squads, including a D&I squad, to identify how we can make our business more inclusive to people of all genders, ethnicities and backgrounds

Throughout the year we’ll be running an ‘Inside Track’ series, to bring to life the brilliant work of the talented people across our organisation. To keep up to date with what’s happening at Pentland Brands, follow us on social media @pentlandbrands.

#IWD2021 #EqualityEveryDay