Women In Business: ProFM’s Emily Macaulay

Emily Macaulay, Shared Services Director at ProFM Group, along with other aspirational female leaders in the area, was recently featured in the Lancashire Business View’s Women in Business. A lengthy feature that has focused on the gender gap in business within the Lancashire region, as well as the wider UK.

The corporate business landscape has changed dramatically over the years. From gender diversity being viewed as a box-ticking HR initiative to being recognised as a primary initiator of business performance and innovation. Women in senior leadership roles are no longer about equity; it’s about having a competitive advantage.

However, according to research by Lancashire Business View, worrying new statistics reveal there is much work to be done regarding gender equality in Boardrooms. Just over 21 per cent of directors in Lancashire’s 100 most profitable SMEs are women. When it comes to the county’s Big 20 businesses in terms of sales, their research shows that figure rises only marginally to 22/5 per cent.

The area’s 20 largest businesses fare slightly better in terms of profit, with female directors making up just over 26 per cent of their directors. Contrast those figures to the national picture, which reveals women now hold 43 per cent of boardroom roles across FTSE 350 companies, and that further highlights the worrying gender gap across the UK.

At the current rate of change, AIM-listed businesses will not reach a 40 per cent female representation figure until 2049. More than one-in-three of their boards still have no women at all.

Emily’s Business Journey

Emily’s journey with Chorley-based ProFM Group began straight out of school as a business administration apprentice, over 11 years ago.

She quickly discovered a passion for business and growth, and after five years working as an exec within ProFM’s business support and sales department, was promoted to head of business development, working closely with the senior leadership team to drive new sales and expansion.

In 2023, she progressed to group Director of Sales, contributing at Board level to shape growth, strategy and revenue focus. Her latest promotion came in August last year. In her new role as Shared Services Director, she leads compliance, HR, marketing, and legal to support cross-functional strategy while mitigating business risks.

Emily’s tenacity, drive, and impassioned approach have been the driving force behind her continued success and is a testament to the emphasis the business places on apprenticeships.

Emily says: “Working in a male-dominated industry, the lack of women in senior leadership quickly became apparent.

“Client meetings with female decision makers were rare, reflecting a wider challenge across Lancashire, where many leading businesses operate in traditionally male-dominated sectors. This can limit visibility, confidence and progression for women aspiring to leadership roles.”

She added, “Today I am both the youngest board member and the only woman. While initially daunting and accompanied by moments of imposter syndrome, I now know I belong at the table, contributing ideas that shape growth and strategy.

“To improve representation, we must normalise women in leadership by sharing real stories, championing role models and actively supporting progression in male-dominated industries. Visibility, mentorship and inclusive cultures will be key to shaping a more balanced future for women in business leadership.”

“It’s an honour to be included alongside so many inspiring women making an impact across the region. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and the work I’m so passionate about.”