Meetings and events agency Zibrant has been listed in ‘The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2012’ in recognition of its efforts towards gender equality in the workpace.

Zibrant’s staff is 77 per cent female, and 70 per cent of senior leaders are women who have worked their way up from entry level positions, with Fay Sharpe as joint managing director. A recent drive to develop internal talent increased female representation on the board of directors with four new women directors, all of whom are working mothers.

Sharpe, managing director – sales and marketing, for Zibrant, said: “Events is frequently noted as an attractive career choice for women, and I am overjoyed that Zibrant has been recognised in this prestigious listing. We work very hard to ensure an equal, flexible and supportive working environment for women of all ages.

“Gender equality is the way forward for successful businesses. Gone are the days when it was considered proper for men to dominate the boardroom, and this is an exciting time as businesses learn to flourish with greater female input.”

Recent developments at Zibrant have included a ‘Family Fit’ programme which celebrates maternity through a range of initiatives and allows for paternal flexible work hours; an IT team now led by a woman for the first time in line with policy that women should be encouraged and rewarded with key decision-making roles; and a ‘family fun day’ which encouraged clients to bring their families to a networking event.

Judged by diversity experts within Opportunity Now, the gender campaign from Business in the Community, fellow companies making the Top 50 included American Express, BT, Deloitte, Google, McDonald’s, PwC and Shell.

Pictured left to right: Emma Bason, International operations director; Fay Sharpe, managing director-sales and marketing; Hannah Wilkinson, global director of business development-healthcare; Helen McCabe, global operations director