Tell us about your organisation.

Hodge is an independently owned financial services business based in Cardiff, offering a range of products and services. Tracing its roots as far back as the 1960’s, Hodge was founded by the late Sir Julian Hodge who has been widely accredited as the driving force in creating the foundations of the successful financial services landscape across South Wales.

Hodge offers a range of personal savings products to private customers as well as lending to commercial clients nationwide. The business also provides specialist mortgages across niche markets including later life and buy to let.

The Hodge Foundation, a charity supporting a range of welfare, medical and educational causes owns 79% of Hodge.

More information can be found on the Hodge website www.hodgebank.co.uk.

Why are you supporting the awards?

Hodge is passionate about supporting and recognising the value women bring to business while recognising the, often disproportionate, challenges they can face.

Recognising and nurturing talent is part of our business ethos and critical to our strategy and future growth.

Sponsoring the FairPlay Employer category of Womenspire is a great opportunity for us to continue to champion the role women play in delivering business success.

Why does gender equality matter to you?

People are at their best when given the opportunity to shine.

Global research from the World Economic Forum, national research from the Government Equalities Office, and findings from Chwarae Teg demonstrate the tangible benefits of promoting opportunities for all, especially in the workplace.

The heart of our business is about creating an environment where everybody can thrive and achieve their true potential.

Our growth plans are ambitious, our people are key to us achieving success. Fostering equality and building an environment which supports and develops the women at Hodge will be fundamental to our future.

Why do you support the work of Chwarae Teg?

At Hodge, diversity and inclusion initiatives are championed and run by a team of passionate colleagues who want to create the best working environment for their colleagues.

The Diversity and Inclusion network empowers Hodge colleagues through the creation of equal opportunities, encouraging education, mentoring and networking – driving cultural change throughout the business.

The aim of Chwarae Teg – to ensure women in Wales can enter the workplace, develop their skills and build rewarding careers – is aligned to how we strive to support equality at Hodge and recognise opportunities to improve.