Creative trio join calls to #BreakTheBias

Three members of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce are marking International Women 's Day by encouraging others to support the movement - by using the hashtag #BreakTheBias.

Anna Plotnek of PLOTT Creative, the Chamber 's honorary chair Katie Hale and Lexicomm founder Anita Ellis all regularly collaborate on creative matters, including the sharing of ideas to benefit clients.

And, ahead of International Women 's Day on 8 March, they are joining forces to celebrate the achievements of women - and encourage more women into creative industries.

As the founder and managing director of a creative agency Anna (pictured) is challenging gender stereotypes every day.

Only three per cent of creative agencies in the UK are run by women, making Anna a member of a select group.

She said: “I 'm a huge fan of the 3 Percent movement and believe agencies perform far better with a mixed team of leaders and creatives working together.

“We live in a world where women influence over 80 per cent of consumer spending, so it seems only right women are an important part of the process.

“I 'll always champion female creative talent and leadership. ”

Anna believes the lack of women at the top of the creative tree is still a huge problem for her sector.

According to the Design Council, 78 per cent of roles are occupied by men, despite women making up 63 per cent of all creative arts and design students studying at university.

And 88 per cent of young female creatives say they lack female role models, while 70 per cent have never worked with a female creative director or executive creative director.

Katie Hale, who runs her own marketing business and started her life in media recruitment, said: “Many young women join the creative sector but the long hours and late nights are often incompatible with starting a family, meaning many do not get back into the industry once they 've had a child.

“The need for a work-life balance and the gender pay gap puts women at an even bigger disadvantage. This needs to change. ”

Anita Ellis is a copywriter who set up Lexicomm during the pandemic and also works with the PLOTT team.

She said: “The number of women studying communications and design in Higher Education is almost double the number of men (HESA), yet there are far fewer women in senior creative roles.

“It 's such an exciting time for creative women; there are incredible roles and role models out there proving what 's possible and showing we can #BreakTheBias. ”