Sunday 8th March marks International Women’s Day – a movement dedicated to creating an equal world. The theme for this year is ‘Give to Gain’ and the aim is to encourage a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
To mark the occasion, NorthEdge is delighted to announce that it has become a signatory to the Investing in Women Code (IWC).
IWC is an initiative which is committed to supporting the advancement of female entrepreneurship in the UK through providing access to tools, resources and finance from the financial services sector, further supporting a diverse and inclusive business ecosystem which benefits our wider network and society.
The IWC was founded in 2019, sparked by The Rose Review’s findings on lack of funding for female-founded companies. It is reported that with equal access to funding and support, female entrepreneurs could add £250 billion of new value to the UK economy.
With more women founding businesses than ever before, it is key that support and efforts are focused on allowing female founders to realise their potential and create thriving enterprises, alongside incentivising more women to become investors and place more resources into entrepreneurship education.
Lucie Mills, Partner at NorthEdge, said: At NorthEdge, we are committed to enhancing our diversity efforts across all underrepresented groups in our business and in our portfolio. Our DE&I strategy is focused on leading positive change in our business, portfolio and industry for a more equal future to drive long-term sustainable value. This represents our latest commitment to drive further positive momentum in this space.”
NorthEdge is also continuing its support for Smart Works – a charity that helps unemployed women to get the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives. The women who come to Smart Works are referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service and youth organisations. Which is why we are delighted to provide both Smart Works Greater Manchester & Birmingham with donations in recognition of International Women’s Day to support them with their important work.