[Updated 04.03.26]
Helping women to thrive in the workplace
Creating a workplace which is supportive and inclusive for all employees is central to the culture of Henley Bridge.
However, as we celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re shining a spotlight on the brilliant women who make up our team, and championing their successes and achievements, as well as highlighting the initiatives the business has implemented to support them.
“Identifying female talent in the workplace is critical for succession planning and the longevity of business. We’re very lucky to have a fantastic cohort of women here at Henley and it’s important to identify that pool of talent and ensure mentoring and career advancement are readily available.
I’ve not always had great work experiences in the past, and some of my family members have also experienced issues in work environments, so I want to make sure that no one has to go through that. I consider the team at HB as my extended family and my door is open to anyone who needs me.” - Tracey Hughes, Managing Director, Henley Bridge
Teamwork makes the dream work
Our fabulous workforce comprises 47 employees, of which 32 are women. Our longest-serving member of staff is Finance Assistant Julia Whapham, who has notched up an amazing 20 years of service, closely followed by Emma Ashby, Pricing Manager & NPD Support, with 19 years.
A further eight female employees are in double figures, which is testament to the work culture we have created:
• Amy Whapham, Creditor Controller, 16 years
• Rachel Schlieder, Internal Business Support, 16 years
• Kimberley Phillips, Office, Sales and Administration Manager, 15 years
• Tracey Hughes, Managing Director, 13 years
• Zoe Peach, Credit Controller, 12 years
• Giselle Jones, Buyer/NPD Support, 11 years
• Phoebe Feltham, Buyer, 10 years
• Clare Nice, Commercial Support Manager, 10 years
‘Give to Gain’
Henley Bridge is a brilliant example of a business where women thrive. This can be attributed to many things and we work consistently to implement policies that support our workforce.
We wholeheartedly support the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day - “Give to Gain” - and have recently introduced an Enhanced Maternity Pay (EMP) policy which goes above and beyond the state requirement.
Employees who have been with the company for 1-5 years now receive six weeks of full pay, six weeks at half pay and 27 weeks Statutory Maternity Pay, whilst those with over five years’ service received 13 weeks at full pay, 13 weeks at half pay and 13 weeks at Statutory Maternity Pay.
“This contractual benefit offers additional financial support for new parents and take some of the pressure off what can already be a very challenging time,” explains HR Manager Clare Berry. “It’s one of many family-friendly policies we have in place and has been warmly welcomed by all of the team.”
Career progression
The latest Women in the Workplace report (2025) reveals women are facing less career support and fewer opportunities to thrive, but we’re happy to report that Henley Bridge is bucking that trend.
Our Office Sales & Administration Manager, Kim Phillips, is a prime example of a female employee who has successfully worked her way up the ranks with us.
Describe your career progression to date at HB.
I have been at Henley Bridge for almost 16 years. I began my career in the Purchasing department before moving into Customer Services, where I spent 10 years developing a deep understanding of our customers and the business. I then moved into the Internal Sales team and, after 18 months, was promoted to Internal Sales Manager.
In April 2025, my role expanded to include the Sales Support and Samples department, and in December I also took on responsibility for Customer Services. I now manage four departments.
Who has been your inspiration in the workplace and why?
I count myself very lucky as I work with a huge number of inspirational women who support and champion others to succeed. Tracey Hughes, our managing director, has been a huge part of my career progression, encouraging me to push myself while also providing guidance and perspective to help me grow. She’s an incredible source of knowledge - I honestly learn something new in every conversation we have. Tracey is a great inspiration for me; she has shown me it’s absolutely possible to pursue ambition and leadership while embracing motherhood and all the challenges that in itself brings.
What have been the challenges juggling a career with your personal life, and how has the company helped to support you?
Balancing my career with my personal life can definitely be challenging at times. I have two young daughters, and there are moments when it feels like you’re navigating two very different worlds. You want to give your absolute best at work while also being fully present at home, and getting that balance right is difficult.
I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company that genuinely understands the importance of family and the support from our senior management team makes a real difference. There’s a strong culture of trust and flexibility, which means we’re able to show up for the moments that matter most such as nativities and sports days.
That flexibility has allowed me to continue progressing in my career while also being there for my daughters, and that balance is something I don’t take for granted.
Have there been any opportunities for you to give back to other female members of the team?
I’ve been very fortunate to have opportunities to give back to other women on the team. Leading a group of 12 brilliant women has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Supporting several of them in their career progression alongside my own growth has been a particular highlight for me.
I try and help where I can through mentoring conversations, advocating for promotions or simply being a sounding board during challenging moments.
We have created an amazing team culture where we not only support in a professional capacity but on a personal level as well, the fact that we spend time together outside of work really speaks to the trust and bonds we’ve built.
How would you describe HB as a workplace from a female perspective?
From a female perspective, I genuinely believe HB is one of the most forward-thinking companies I’ve worked for. There is a real commitment to ensuring women are supported, listened to and given opportunities to thrive.
A recent example of this is the company-wide menopause training we’ve introduced. For me, it was incredibly eye-opening and demonstrated that the business is willing to have important conversations that aren’t always addressed openly in the workplace.
HB is an environment where women’s voices are heard and valued - not just in discussion, but in decision-making too. There’s a strong culture of mutual respect across all teams, and we all work together to help the business achieve its goals.
[March 2024]
International Women's Day with Izzy Cohen
As part of International Women's Day, we're shining a spotlight on one of our chefs Izzy Cohen whose culinary journey began at the age of 14.
Can you share a little bit about your journey to become a chef and how you got started?
I always dreamed of being a chef; my first kitchen experience was when I was 14 years old and I did work experience - I actually did my placement with one of our current customers (full circle moment!) Cocoa Loco. I had various summer jobs within kitchens, and then landed my apprenticeship at the Hilton Metropole when I was 16 years old. From there I worked my way up from being an Apprentice Chef to taking on the role of Chef De Partie, which entailed running my own area in the kitchen for the Conference & Banqueting events. At Henley Bridge Ingredients, I now get involved in creating dishes and recipes for the photoshoots we have to showcase our products alongside my role so I still get to let my creative side flow!
How do you think the industry has changed in terms of gender inclusion since you started out as a chef?
When I first started, I was 1 of 2 female chefs in the kitchen that had just under 30 chefs altogether, so I was surrounded by over 25 male chefs. Now I would like to think you wouldn’t see such a huge difference between the split of gender within professional kitchens! I felt as though I had to prove myself because I was in such a male-dominated environment but speaking to female friends in the industry now it sounds a lot more gender diverse and inclusive within the kitchen.
What advice would you give to younger women looking to start their chef career?
Go for it! Any opportunity, big or small, could take you to something even better for your career! Give it your all and don’t let anyone tell you that you won’t make it in the kitchen – it’s the best thing I ever did!
