International Women’s Day 2022

For International Women's Day 2022, we asked some of the inspiring women at WR Partners how it feels to be a woman in business.

What challenges have you met as a woman in business?

There hasn't been many, I've never felt at a disadvantage as a woman. On one occasion, I was part of an all-female audit team working with a client who wouldn't swear in front of women. However, he couldn't string a sentence together without swearing! In the end he had to defer us to another director! Sadly, I have experienced attempted bullying from a client with an all-male board. I have zero tolerance for this, so they are no longer a client.

Fran Johnson

Audit Partner

What do you love about your job?

The opportunity to lead the business and engage our employees in developing a brand we can all be proud to be associated with. I am privileged to work with a great team and a variety of interesting clients to ensure that we remain relevant and can continue to evolve our business advisory and accountancy services in a more digital world, particularly post Covid.

Helen Spencer

Managing Partner

Do you feel that your success has been recognised?

It is great to be a part of a firm that celebrates achievements, after finishing my studies this year and becoming a chartered accountant it was great that my colleagues throughout the firm congratulated and celebrated it with me. I was treated as an equal throughout my studies and never felt as though being a woman stopped me from achieving this.

Harriet Maddox

Accounts Senior 2

Does WR make you feel successful about being a woman in business?

Working at WR Partners has provided me with fantastic opportunities and I am supported professionally and personally. As a manager in the firm’s audit team, I am lucky to work with so many inspiring women across a range of local businesses in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Bethan Hawes

Audit Senior Manager

What is a challenge you think women face in business?

I believe that women need to have the same voice as their colleagues and WR empowers me to have a voice and to be heard.

Alexa Felton

Accounts Manager

Do you see equality in the workplace?

From my experience, within WR and the professionals that I work with, I do see more women in leadership roles. However, the professional services industry is still mainly dominated by men.

Kathryn Rawlings

Manager