Celia Felgate, Founder & Director, Fresh Nous

When I was asked to discuss International Women’s Day for Business Direction, I paused. In my daily world, I’m surrounded by astute women leading innovation across Worcestershire and the West Midlands, supported by male peers who champion that progress. It would be easy to assume the conversation has moved on, but the reality is nuanced.

The statics show women working in tech is trending upwards from 19% in 2019 to 29% in 2024 (Tech Talent Charter), however whilst researching I struggled to find a credible, active and current stat that backed this, let’s hope someone picks up the baton and produces an up-to-date report soon.

Anecdotally, however, when I have conversations at regional events I feel and see more women moving in these circles, and at Fresh Nous, we are proud to be part of that shift. Whether seeing our senior strategists navigate digital transformations or watching our apprentices find their voice in a landscape that didn’t always look for them, we aren’t just contributing to a statistic; we are building the next generation of regional leadership.

However, we must keep our eyes on the gaps. While broader tech roles have hit 29%, fewer than 15% of the fastest growing tech firms have a woman in the C-Suite . The drum still needs beating, but the rhythm is changing. The House of Commons Library confirms the West Midlands is a national “hotspot” for female enterprise, with Wyre Forest and Wychavon ranking among the top tier for female entrepreneurship. We are no longer the exception; we are becoming the blueprint.

At Fresh Nous, inclusive, progressive leadership is simply how we operate. As a tech-led marketing, digital PR and CX agency, we bring 80 years of collective expertise across brand positioning, AI integration, automation, and data insight. Technology is transformative, but only when it serves people and commercial outcomes.

As Investors in People and Worcestershire Apprenticeships Ambassadors, we develop talent as seriously as we develop strategy. It is an exciting time to shape what tech-enabled leadership looks like in Worcestershire. If you are ready to redefine your brand’s customer experience alongside a team that values performance over gimmicks, visit freshnous.com to learn more.