Business Information
We have compiled a library of research into the area of women and business using a variety of sources. Simply click on the area of interest listed to the left of this page and you will have access to the papers. This is an ongoing process so do revisit regularly to see new additions.
The Women into Management programme aims to give women in East London the skills to find employment and to progress in their chosen career. The women being encouraged to participate are those from the BME community, women with disabilities, women over the age of 50 and female lone parents. We are often asked why we are working to support women only and in fact women from the above four groupings and why East London. The answer is simple, East London is the area in the Capital which is most in need of support for both its businesses and communities living there. Similarly women, who make up more than 50% of the London population, are less likely than men to get the best paid jobs and the difference in pay for men and women in London is greater than elsewhere in the UK. (Women in London"s Economy, January 2005, GLA)
Within the female population certain groups have been identified as facing the greatest barriers when it comes to finding a job or achieving career progression. It is often the case that female lone parents have great difficulty finding and affording childcare facilities which will allow them to return to work, it is even more difficult to attend training programmes. This is why the Women into Management programme will provide childcare facilities for all learners who require them.
Similarly women with disabilities can find it difficult to attend training classes because public transport may not be accessible to them or close enough to the training venue. We will provide a taxi service for all women on the Women into Management programme, who may require assistance with travel. Our website and training materials are available in formats which are accessible to disabled users but if we do not currently provide a required form of assistance just ask.
Another group of women who can often find it difficult to find new jobs or progress within their career are those aged over 50. The wealth of knowledge and expertise of a woman over the age of 50 is an asset to any employer but is often not recognised, especially at interview. Investment in employees through training is vital to the growth and competitiveness of any company we want to ensure that age is no barrier to that investment. We also want to ensure that women who have been made redundant and are seeking work have the best possible chance of getting a job, by offering them the latest management training courses to boost their CV and their confidence.
The fourth group of women we aim to support are those from the black and minority ethnic community. The contribution to the London economy from this group is clear e.g. black businesses make up 4% of all London’s businesses. 25% of black business owners are women - higher than most other ethnic groups. (Ready for Business: The contribution of black businesses to London"s economy, December 2004, GLA) Women from the BME community have to overcome cultural barriers, general prejudice and often require support with basic skills for example English as a second language. Where required the Women into Management programme will provide translation services and access to ESOL training (English for speakers of other languages).
