A Bristol law firm that has embraced flexible working in a bid to support women says the approach has driven years of business success, ahead of International Women's Day tomorrow.
Barcan+Kirby has transformed from a partnership that was 80% male a decade ago to one that is now 60% female, with women making up 70% of the management team.
Over the past 10 years, the firm says it has achieved year-on-year growth, expanded its company and commercial department, and recently recorded its best-ever billing month.
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Of the firm's 187 employees, 85% are women and 63% of staff working flexibly.
But the shift didn’t happen overnight. It has taken over a decade of cultural change, driven by executive partner Anna Wilson. Her own experiences in the legal industry were shaped by the challenges many women face.
Early in her career, Ms Wilson says she encountered "discrimination and misogyny", including being expected to dress a certain way and seeing male colleagues "receive more opportunities" for career progression.
Returning to work after having children was particularly difficult, according to Ms Wilson, who said she saw many talented female lawyers leave the profession due to a lack of support.
"After some difficult experiences, I wanted to build a firm that truly supports and empowers women, one that encourages ambition, enables career progression, and embraces flexible working so women don’t have to choose between a successful career and family life," she said.
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Starting with limited resources, Ms Wilson built an HR function from the ground up while balancing a full-time caseload and raising a young family.
A decade ago, she gained additional support with an HR manager and since then the firm has continued to invest in staff development, ensuring that working mothers and part-time employees have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Ms Wilson admits embracing flexible working has come with "challenges", such as additional costs and the need for "seamless collaboration".
"But the firm has fostered a culture of trust, communication, and mutual support," she said. And it has also gained the support of organisations such as Bristol Women in Business Charter.
“Flexibility goes both ways. It requires strong diary and time management, clear communication about working schedules, and a collaborative mindset. But when you get it right, the benefits far outweigh the challenges," she added.