International Women’s Day is back on the 8th March 2022 and celebrates women across the world. This year the theme is #BreakTheBias.

We’ve got so many amazing women across Norfolk doing incredible things so we’re celebrating them across the month of March. We’ve also got some inspirational women who work within Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, and we're shining the light on them too.

We asked Norfolk Chamber Member, Fran Brown from Credo Asset Finance a few questions...

Why is supporting women in business so important?

I have always surrounded myself with like-minded women, who I admire and also give me support when I need it. When the women you work with identify with your struggles they can help motivate you from a personal perspective and deliver advice when you need this the most.

I’ve invested my time, my advice and my knowledge to other women and supported them because I truly believe that the more you give, the more you receive.

What do you or your business do to support women in your teams?

The business recognises the importance of all team members at Credo but International women’s day focuses the mind. Here at Credo 50% of our team are women covering a broad range of roles, sales, accounts, Marketing and Ops: without them we would not be as strong that’s for sure.

What skills do you feel are the biggest asset that women have in the workplace?

I don’t want to generalise here, but for me I know I am a good listener, act proactively and efficiently. I multi task well, working hard in the job I love, but also looking after a large family. These skills alone give me the confidence to do what I do and ensuring I have the right life-work balance.

What challenges do women face in the workplace that are different to men?

There will continue to be a stigma of women asking for flexible working arrangements so that they can continue to look after their family as well as work in the job they choose. There is also the matter of equal pay, but with both of these issues very much in the media eye, many businesses have policies to offer great packages to women now and this should be applauded.

What advice would you give to male colleagues to support women in the workplace?

Realise that women have just as much input into the business world as men, and work together. A woman doesn’t want to be patronised, she wants to be listened to and appreciated. Women work hard, have a real sense of purpose and want the business they work in to succeed.

What top tips would you give your younger self when it comes to business?

To be more confident, be brave and to have that self-belief. To find something I enjoy and then have the passion and assertiveness to build a career out of it rather than going from one job to another with no end goal.

Credo Asset Finance