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Image caption: Sue Barnard.

6th March 2020

Women in the Spotlight – Sue Barnard

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Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund

As part of our ‘Women in the Spotlight’ series, Sue Barnard talks about her work at the British Business Bank and what International Women’s Day means to her.

Do you work in a male dominated industry and, if so, would you say it’s impacted your career?

I do work in a male dominated industry however progress is being made and I am pleased to work at the British Business Bank and one of the things that attracted me to the Bank is the more even split between men and women – especially on the senior management team. That’s something I have never seen before in my career.

It’s fantastic to have female colleagues that I can chat with about business matters – I do, needless to say, have amazing male colleagues that I can talk with as well. The really great advantage of working here is that we have the choice!

What is the best and most inspiring piece of advice you have been given on your journey?

A senior manager once said to me “Never Change” I think I had worked myself up once after taking a personality test, I know I have faults and I have tried to change my behaviour however this has backed fired and hence the reason why someone said, “Never Change”.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, International Women’s Day celebrates all of the incredible contribution’s women make to the world. Having worked for now for 33 years I feel change is now happening although for many it has taken far too long especially in the financial services industry. I’ve witnessed a growing number of women taking control in this historically male-dominated space, setting their own rules and driving change. As an indicator of what the future holds, it’s hugely encouraging.

I believe we must continue to empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders and keep the momentum of change moving forward and this week is the ideal time to highlight this.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.