New chamber boss calls for more female role models in business leadership

YORKSHIRE NEEDS more female role models in the technology profession to encourage more women into the sector, the new president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce has said.

Paula Dillon, the first woman to hold the office and a partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, used her inaugural address at the chamber’s annual dinner to call for more women in leadership roles to help inspire youngsters to take up the opportunities presented by a growing economy.

Ms Dillon also said it was time for the region to “get its act together” on devolution to tap into economic gains that flow from agreeing settlements with Whitehall.

Speaking at the black tie event at Leeds’s Royal Armouries Museum, Ms Dillon called upon business leaders in the city to back plans to improve the redevelopment and infrastructure at Leeds Bradford Airport and the movement to host “a year of cultural celebration” in lieu of the planned Capital of Culture bid for 2023 which can no longer go ahead due to the withdrawal of support from the European Commission.

On the subject of female leaders, Ms Dillon told the dinner: “I hope that seeing women in leadership positions will encourage others, of all ages, to be economically active and take the opportunities which a growing economy can offer.

“That is especially true in the STEM professions, where women are still massively under-represented and I believe that it is partly because of a lack of visible role models. We know that lots of women are out there, and I have to tell you that we will be coming to find you and get your stories across to women and girls to encourage them along the same track.”

She also stressed the chamber’s commitment to neighbouring Bradford being given a station on the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail scheme.

The Chamber has also selected Leeds Mind as its chosen charity for this year.