Where are the women in top jobs?

A study by accountancy firm BDO found that only seven per cent of top Yorkshire firms, and only nine per cent nationwide, had women in the boardroom. Now an event at Harewood House, in Leeds, will try to be a catalyst for changing that figure.The Women's Business Forum, on September 23, wants to help women boost their careers in executive and non-executive roles and to help firms understand the benefits they bring.

Heather Jackson, director for The Women's Business Forum and founder of The Two Percent Club, said: "This is an important event with the aim of tackling a real business issue affecting UK business, where we are in danger of missing a real opportunity when it comes to utilising the skills and business acumen of women at the peak of their careers.

"To condemn this as a gender issue is a mistake. This is a business performance issue that needs attention and action.

"European legislation is set to make a real difference to this debate and other countries are already ahead of the game."

She also cited figures showing steps taken by Norway and France to boost female representation. "The statistics show the UK has a continuing problem in getting the right number of women in management hierarchies and this is particularly acute in Yorkshire and Humber."

Speakers at the event include Kate Bostock, executive director for clothing at Marks & Spencer, who had been tipped as a

potential successor to Sir Stuart Rose, and Alison Maitland, director of the Conference Board's European council for diversity in business.

Senior figures from Morrisons and the global diversity team

at Barclays Wealth will also attend. A recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers said the pipeline of female business leaders could be reversed or irreparably damaged by the recession. Register to attend the event at www.thewomensbusinessforum.co.uk