New research has shown that SMEs have a higher percentage of female directors than FTSE 100 companies.
Analysis by Moore Stephens showed that 31% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) had female directors, whereas the FTSE 100 companies only had 28% female directors. This may not seem a large difference, but bear in mind that larger companies will likely have equality and inclusivity polices, so you would expect them to be in front by quite some way.
This reflects the fact the more and more women have started their own businesses in recent years as the contractor market has increased. It has also been said that women in particular are disproportionately affected by not being allowed to work outside the standard 9 to 5 and so have opted to go it alone in their own business.
The increase of female directors in SMEs comes despite the fact that there is an apparent bias amongst investors funding them. In 2016 only 16% of businesses funded had at least one female founder, and this fell to 9% in 2017.
Until venture capitalists and funding for women increases, and the playing field is levelled, it looks as though Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves!