Foreword

Over 50% of the people who work for leisure or hospitality organisations are women, but very few make it to senior positions let alone to company boards.

This isn't because they lack the skills, motivation or tenacity but because there aren't enough senior roles that offer them the flexibility they need. This new initiative by Women 1st is exactly the kind of forward thinking approach we should all encourage.

By offering more support to women through mentoring schemes and career development initiatives I hope we can start to address the gender balance across the sector, helping women achieve their potential.

That's not just better for women, but it's good for the industry.

Margaret Hodge MP, minister for culture, media and sport