A collaboration between the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) and the Trade Association Forum (TAF) has today (March 8) published a ‘powerlist’ of women in trade associations to coincide with International Women’s Day 2023.

The list, which is available here, was compiled from over 200 nominations from the sector. A selection panel from the TAF, CBI and FSB had the task of selecting the 100 women that make up the inaugural list.

The selection panel comprised:

• Nicola Bates – chair of the selection panel and strategy and external affairs director, the Portman Group
• Caroline Lavelle – chief commercial officer, FSB
• Martin McTague – national chair, FSB
• Gaynor Pates – TAF chair and operations director, RIA
• Ellen Daniels – TAF board member and chief executive, BCGA
• Lisa Collins – TAF board member and head of membership engagement, IABM
• Emily Wallace – chief executive, Trade Association Forum
• Henry Aldridge – head of trade associations, CBI
• Maxine Bligh – director, CBI

Nicola Bates, chair of the selection panel and strategy and external affairs director of the Portman Group, said: “It has been a real pleasure to be able to bring the CBI, FSB and TAF together to champion the role of women in trade associations, celebrate their achievements and encourage the next generation of women into the association sector.”

Added Julie Lilley, FSB CEO: “At the FSB, I’m proud to lead a diverse organisation with strong representation of women at every level. This is true for our staff team but also our volunteers who are small business owners/self-employed right across the UK.

“As the FSB was involved in setting up this initiative and the judging process, it would not be right to have also taken some of the slots – but I want to take this moment to say how brilliant the list is, to thank the TAF, and reiterate my pride for FSB’s women. Well done to everyone in the list, and involved.”

Commenting on the powerlist, Henry Aldridge, deputy director, trade associations at the CBI, said: “The CBI is proud to represent over 170 trade associations as part of our membership. I’ve seen first-hand the talent in the sector who go above and beyond to represent, lead and support their members and contribute to the growth of their sector and the economy.

“The CBI is delighted to support the Women In Trade Associations powerlist and to give some long overdue recognition to the most influential women in the sector.”