Equality in Technology
Our First Event - Leeds
On Thursday, 27th March, we at Abstract Group proudly hosted the official launch of Equality in Technology at our Leeds HQ. As the initiative’s key sponsor, we are excited to lead the charge in tackling the underrepresentation of women in tech, particularly in leadership roles. At Abstract Group, we believe that achieving true equality requires addressing all barriers within the sector, ensuring opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
With the UK tech industry contributing £200 billion annually to the economy, while we have seen progress, we acknowledge that we are still far from equal representation. Female representation in tech has doubled over the past decade, yet women hold only 21% of senior tech positions. Additionally, while 25% of UK tech employees come from ethnic minority backgrounds, only 14% occupy senior leadership roles. Research also highlights ongoing disparities, such as the 10% average pay gap between ethnic minorities and white workers, and the 19% lower likelihood of women reporting neurodiversity compared to their male counterparts. These statistics underscore the need for continued action towards greater representation and support in the workplace.
Keynote Presentation: The State of Diversity in Tech
The event began with an insightful keynote from Emily Wells, the founder of Equality in Technology, who provided a deep dive into the state of diversity in the tech sector. She highlighted key challenges such as the gender pay gap, lack of leadership representation, and systemic barriers that still hinder equal opportunities. Her statistics set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on what needs to be done to create a truly inclusive tech environment.
We were honoured to host an inspiring panel of industry leaders, each bringing invaluable expertise to the conversation:
Victoria Speight – CEO, Founder & Director of CYBERFIT
Victoria has over 12 years of entrepreneurial experience. She has spent the last 7 years as a tech CEO and 8 years as an executive coach, helping businesses navigate the complexities of cybersecurity.
Beyond her role at CYBERFIT, she is committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity. As a STEM and CyberFirst Ambassador and Mentor, she works closely emerging talent empowering the next generation to thrive in the tech industry.
Carolyn Pearson – Technology Leader & Start-up Founder
Carolyn has had a varied technical career spanning technical support, software development, business analysis and project management before leading technology teams for household names such as the BBC, ITV, Sony Music, KLM, and easyJet. Carolyn now provides interim and fractional technology leadership, consultancy services, and technical due diligence.
Alongside her impressive technology career, Carolyn champions DE&I outside of the tech sector having founded maiden-voyage.com, the global leader in inclusive traveller safety training for diverse employees working overseas.
Georgia Dixon – Founder of Access HR
Georgia Dixon is the visionary behind Access HR, a consultancy that takes a modern, agile approach to HR and People Management. She specialises in helping high-growth businesses shift from firefighting to proactive, forward-thinking strategies.
Georgia’s career has not been linear, but she has earned the title of Most Inspiring HR Leader of the Year and helped clients secure a place in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work. She has significant experience working with tech businesses and is driven by her passion for creating a better future for work while introducing a fresh perspective to the sector.
Daniel Maher – Technical Director of Tinkle & Safe and Found Online
Daniel has over 20 years' experience as a Software Developer and Director. At Tinkle, Daniel leads a dynamic team in software development delivering smarter business phone systems to direct customers and resellers. As Director of Safe and Found Online, Daniel has rolled out a nationwide system for the National Police Chief's Council to support missing people.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ Community, Daniel is keen on raising awareness and being a core ally of inclusivity for all. Through his businesses, Daniel has supported various community projects and sports that promote diversity, including sponsoring the Yorkshire Terriers, a national LGBTQ+ football team. He is also the LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Silicon Yorkshire.
Panel Discussion: Addressing Challenges and Driving Change in Tech Leadership
Following the keynote, the panel explored the ongoing challenges in achieving true diversity in tech. While more women and individuals from underrepresented groups are entering the industry, the number in leadership positions remains disproportionately low. The discussion examined the barriers that hinder career progression and the everyday challenges professionals face when striving for senior roles.
A key focus was the difficulty many encounter when transitioning into leadership, including biases in promotion processes, workplace cultures that fail to support diverse talent, and the confidence gap that often discourages individuals from pursuing leadership opportunities. The panel also addressed salary negotiations, highlighting how gender and cultural norms influence pay disparities and career advancement.
Beyond identifying these challenges, the discussion explored solutions such as what businesses, leaders, and allies can do to create more inclusive environments and support equitable career growth. The panel emphasised the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and structural changes that ensure leadership roles are accessible to a truly diverse talent pool.
Networking and Building Community
The event provided an invaluable opportunity for networking and building connections with like-minded professionals, leaders, and innovators who share the same passion for breaking down barriers in tech. These connections are vital in creating future collaborations and mentorships that will help drive change in the tech industry.
Looking Ahead: Join the Movement
At Abstract Group, we are committed to shaping a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. Our partnership with Equality in Technology is just one step in our ongoing journey to eliminate barriers and create equal opportunities for all.
If your organisation is interested in supporting this cause, please reach out to Emily Wells (Head of Abstract Talent). Stay connected by following Equality in Technology on LinkedIn, where you can find updates on upcoming events and initiatives. We value your feedback on this event and welcome suggestions on future topics you’d like to see addressed.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event so impactful.