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 and commercial clients, as well as lending to commercial clients nationwide. The business also provides specialist mortgages across niche markets including later life and equity release.

Hodge Foundation, a charity supporting a range of welfare, medical and educational and 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 that women make to society, and especially in the workplace.

We know that women can and do make a difference, we see it every day at Hodge through the outstanding leadership and quality of work our colleagues deliver for our customers. Recognising and nurturing talent is part of our business ethos and critical to our strategy.

Sponsoring the Rising Star category of Womenspire is a great opportunity for us to continue to champion the role that women will continue to play in delivering business success.

Why does gender equality matter to you?

Gender equality matters to Hodge because we truly believe that 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 more regional findings from Chwarae Teg demonstrate the tangible benefits of promoting opportunities for all, especially in the workplace.

Creating an environment where everybody can thrive and achieve their potential is at the heart of Hodge. We have ambitious growth plans over the next few years and our people are key to us achieving that success. Fostering equality and building an environment that supports and develops the women at Hodge will be fundamental to our future.

Why do you support the work of Chwarae Teg?

Hodge has a unique approach in its diversity and inclusion initiatives as it is promoted and run by a team of passionate employees who want to create the best working environment for their colleagues.

The team is called Wonder. Wonder empowers the women at Hodge 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 are supporting equality at Hodge.