Representation of women in business is a concern for all. Currently, only one-fifth of businesses in the UK are led by women, and female-led businesses face specific and entrenched barriers to achieving their full economic potential in male dominated sectors. Companies with higher female representation already outperform those with less, and it is estimated that the UK economy could generate an additional £250bn if women entrepreneurs had the means and access to start new businesses at the same rate as men.
LCCI's Women in Business group aims to grow the representation of women in under-represented sectors and promote inclusivity as a marketplace and financial advantage. The group seeks to champion issues that need to be addressed for women by key stakeholders and the management of organisations.
It is LCCI’s belief that the economy and businesses will perform better when inclusivity is at the forefront. This group, alongside LCCI’s Black Business Association and Asian Business Association, helps businesses to attract and retain the best talent, and provide equal opportunities for progression and growth. Men, as well as women, have a role to play in ensuring this objective is achieved.
LCCI are committed to helping female-led businesses, women business owners and female entrepreneurs drive their businesses forward. We aim to empower, inspire, support and motivate professional businesswomen through our network in London and through the international Chamber network.
To join the Women in Business Group you must be an LCCI Member or part of the free London Chamber Community Network:
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To celebrate International Women's Day we brought together 50 inspiring business women and female entrepreneurs at Piazza Italiana in the City. The event created a space for meaningful conversation around gender equality, encouraged knowledge sharing and highlighted opportunities within the women in business network all of which underpin International Women's Day.
In celebration of International Women's Day 2026, which takes place on Sunday 8 March 2026, we sat down with the Chair of Women in Business Group, Abby Ghafoor OBE, to discuss the theme of Give to Gain and the work Women in Business do.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, LCCI’s Women in Business Advisory Chair Abby Ghafoor OBE and LCCI’s Partnerships Manager Kate Elliot attended the Women in STEM: Engineering and Rail apprenticeships event hosted by LCCI Patron Member Capital City College. During the event, Abby and Kate heard directly from engineering apprentices and toured the college’s railway carriage and practical construction classrooms. With a focus on women and girls in STEM, attendees discussed top tips, workforce disparities and the challenges that remain.
We are delighted that our Women in Business Advisory Board Chair Abby Ghafoor has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours List for her services to business and to diversity and inclusion.
The City of London Corporation's 'The Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce' brings employers, government, and third sector organisations together to tackle digital talent shortages in the UK by promoting mid-career female career changers as an untapped talent solution.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) launched our free-to-access, practical business programme this year, which saw our first cohort taking part in four sessions to increase their confidence, equip them with tools to maximise their impact, and develop a strong, active network of peers.
Despite progress in recent years, women continue to face significant barriers to participating fully in international trade. These barriers can be categorized into four main areas: social and cultural norms, legal and regular frameworks, access to finance and markets, and skills and capacity building.
Watch as Gauri Nafrey, Bridge Baker, takes home gold as the SME London Business Awards Business Woman of the Year 2026
Chaired by Abby Ghafoor, Founder & CEO, Arc Management Consulting, LCCI's Women in Business Advisory Board is a mixed gender committee that works with LCCI members to identify and address key issues and concerns.
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