SUCCEEDING TOGETHER

Tamie Hutchins explores how Finlays’ Women in Business Networks are empowering all and creating a sense of belonging

The Big Idea:

Since 2018, Finlays Women in Business Networks program has gone from strength to strength. By focusing on community, listening, and especially prac-tical action, FWIB has created a sense of belonging and empowered women at all career stages to thrive and lead.

SUCCEDDING TOGETHER

My journey with the Our People pillar of Finlays’ Sustainability Strategy began with a milestone moment — setting the first target for women in leadership and taking ownership of the plan for its achievement.

In support of this, the concept of setting up some kind of Women in Business group came up quite early in discussions, and started in earnest in 2018 with the launch of the U.K. Finlays Women in Business (FWIB). Since then, FWIB networks have grown around the world, and have proven to be one of the most significant elements of the progress we have made.

So I’m delighted to share our FWIB story with you, not only to celebrate the progress we have made, but in the hope of inspiring others to follow suit.

Local roots

The first Finlays Women in Business (FWIB) network launched in the U.K. in 2018 with the ambition to attract, develop, and advance women in the business. We set out to challenge established norms, build a strong network of women and allies, and drive practical improvements beyond day-to-day operations.

Guided by employee feedback and informed by industry best practices, the U.K. group took swift, impactful action. Early successes included enhanced maternity provisions and the introduction of a menopause policy and support group – key milestones that signaled not just process improvements, but a cultural shift grounded in empathy, care, and listening. These changes reflected a deepening understanding that supporting women through all life stages is essential to building a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Going global

Based on its success in the U.K., FWIB is now a global movement. A group formed at Finlays Argentina in 2023, building on the company’s milestone of welcoming the first women into tea factory roles in Argentina. Their focus is on reflection, training, and awareness around gender equality within the workplace.

The U.S. network launched in 2024, with strong engagement and support. Building on that momentum, new initiatives for 2025 include the launch of the “Women in Production Training Club”—a pilot program focused exclusively on women working in production and warehouse roles. Participants are nominated by their managers and HR teams and will take part in training designed to develop business acumen and leadership skills, helping to pave the way for new career opportunities.

These events help strengthen networks, build confidence, and provide tools for career development. As a result, participation more than doubled, and the proportion of women in leadership roles also rose - demonstrating the network’s growing influence. Meanwhile, in Kenya, women from two Finlays sites are coming together to launch their own support structure — sharing insights, shaping policy, and contributing to global efforts. This cross-site collaboration further demonstrates how FWIB has become a platform for shared purpose, not just local action. A consistent strength across all regions has been the focus on community, learning, and listening. In the U.K., a biannual survey ensures that FWIB priorities reflect what people truly need, and activities such as focus groups, external speakers, and skills workshops help build knowledge and connection.

Looking ahead

In 2025, the first global International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration brought all regions together – offices and shopfloor alike – in a unified recognition of progress and purpose. It was a landmark moment that captured the inclusive ethos at the heart of FWIB: that every employee, no matter their location or role, deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Looking ahead, FWIB is shifting focus to women’s leadership development, mentoring, and career progression – ensuring that a more representative leadership pipeline is built, and that women at all stages of their careers have the support they need to grow. This initiative is a testament to what’s possible when employees lead change from within. While it began with the goal of gender fairness, FWIB has become something far more impactful: a growing global community, rooted in belonging, where people work together to shape a workplace that uplifts everyone.

Tamie Hutchins

HR Director

FWIB has become a growing global community, rooted in belonging, where people work together to shape a workplace that uplifts everyone.

Tamie Hutchins