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International Women's Day

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

As March marks International Women’s Day, we felt there was no better time to shine a light on some of the incredible women who make Mitchells & Butlers what it is and reflect on some of their career success stories.

From our front-line teams to our executive committee, we are proud to have women make up over half of our workforce. With 173 women breaking stereotypes in Kitchen Manager roles and in pubs like The Coombe Cellars in Newton Abbot, which is run by an all-female management team, we have a lot to celebrate - there isn’t anything the women of M&B can’t do.

But don't just take our word for it - delve into the career stories from some of the women who make M&B what it is.

SUSAN CHAPPELL

Susan has built up her career in M&B over the past few decades and is now the Divisional Director for City Division, overseeing all activity in All Bar One, Browns, Castle and Nicholson's.

Read about how she, and other hospitality female leaders have navigated leadership and influence in the hospitality sector.

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MARTIE SMIT

Martie Smit has recently been appointed as Commercial & Marketing Director within M&B.

Her story encapsulates empowerment and progression within our business, shedding light on the opportunities for women in the hospitality industry.

GIVE TO GAIN

The theme for International Women's Day 2026 is Give to Gain, encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Here is what some of our leaders promised to give...

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INTENTIONAL TIME

Being a busy RBM and parent means time is limited, so giving small but intentional moments to others becomes incredibly meaningful. Offering our time shows respect, belief, visibility, and opportunity—and helping someone feel valued each day encourages them to speak up.

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REASSURANCE

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel daunting, and I’m always happy to offer support, reassurance, and practical tips that helped me through it. While everyone’s experience is different, being honest about my needs, setting small guilt‑free boundaries, and finding my own balance made the transition easier.

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INSIGHT

Research shows that men often apply for promotions with around 50% confidence, while women typically wait until they feel closer to 80%, which highlights the importance of building confidence. As leaders, we can help unlock more talent by offering training, coaching, and mentoring—and I’m committed to giving my time to support anyone who wants to grow their confidence.

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SPOTLIGHT

I will highlight and celebrate great examples of inclusion across our business through engaging communication that showcases our successes. I’ll also respectfully challenge bias or stereotypes whenever they appear, helping us continue to learn and grow together.

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ENCOURAGEMENT

A few genuine words of appreciation or recognition can make a big difference, boosting someone’s confidence and encouraging them to contribute more. Small moments of noticing and acknowledging others matter—so it’s worth asking who might benefit from a bit of encouragement today.

OUR FAVOURITE BLOGS

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Ellie dishes up what it means to be a female Kitchen Manager

Ellie joined Mitchells & Butlers in 2018, starting behind the bar. Before she knew it, she was training in the kitchen, and it wasn't long until she realised that she'd found a new passion. She’s now the Kitchen Manager at O'Neill's in Kingston-upon-Thames.

We caught up with Ellie to hear how she came to be in this role and what it means to be a female working in a professional kitchen. So if you want a taste of what it's like to be a Kitchen Manager at M&B, you might be interested in Ellie's story.

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