The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #InspireInclusion, something the team at Hill Cross Group are really passionate about.
Hill Cross Furniture is a market-leading, family-owned contract furniture supplier with almost 24 years of expertise. The company was created to meet a rising need for high-quality contract furniture in the hospitality, leisure, healthcare and workplace markets. Their work is global, and it is all done from their HQ, based on the family farm in the stunning North Yorkshire countryside.
Research shows that diverse teams are better positioned to unlock innovation and drive growth. At Hill Cross Group, they’re really proud that they buck the industry trend with an almost 50:50 split of male/female talent across their family-run businesses: Hill Cross Furniture and Tamarisk Designs. And the seats at their senior leadership top table are split 4:3 (female to male) too, led by CEO, Jen Barker.
This can be attributed to their inclusive nature, from flexible, work from anywhere policies and paid Friday afternoons off work to their investment in female talent, and that balance is important.
Jen Barker, CEO at Hill Cross Group said:
“Creating an inclusive culture and great place to work are fundamental to my business values and I’m proud that we’ve got such strong female talent in the business. Many of these have been with Hill Cross for a number of years and this investment has seen several progress to Board level.
“We get that people have a life outside work and ensuring that balance is why we’ve recently introduced closing the business at lunchtime on a Friday so people can have the afternoon off, for the same salary.
“An industry as diverse as ours needs a diverse workforce. All ages, all backgrounds, all skill sets where your skills will be developed, and where your ambitions can be realised. At Hill Cross, we try to replicate this by hiring people from diverse backgrounds to reflect the clients we serve.”
New joiner to the business, Jodie Chamberlain, took up her role as Group Marketing & Brand Manager in January of this year. She said:
“Joining Hill Cross has been more than just a career move—it’s been a journey of growth and support. Our company culture is all about being welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable, and I’ve experienced it firsthand. From day one, the team has been there to lend a hand, offer guidance, and empower me to succeed.The flexible working culture, bring your dog to work scheme and having Friday afternoons off makes a huge difference and creates an inclusive environment.”
Hill Cross Group support for charity Nepalaya
The UN theme for IWD this year is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. Gender equality remains the greatest human rights challenge. Investing in women is a human rights imperative and cornerstone for building inclusive societies.
Hill Cross Group’s support for Nepalaya, a charity based in Nepal, helps the local women to set up micro-businesses to allow them to become more self-sufficient and resilient. Sustainability and giving back to the communities in which they operate, are at the heart of their family business.