WOMEN from Investment Management and Stockbroking firm, Redmayne Bentley, have attended an anniversary lunch in London to mark the 50th anniversary of women entering the London Stock Exchange.

In March 1973, six women entered The Stock Exchange Floor in London, becoming ‘Members of the House’ for the first time in the Stock Exchange's 200-year history. The historic decision to allow female stockbrokers to join ended years of campaigning by women working in the financial sector.

Among those attending the lunch were Rachel Mallinson, from Halifax, who still works as a stockbroker for Redmayne Bentley and who, in the 1980s, became the first female member of the Leeds Stock Exchange and Judith Ullock, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, who was one of the first female stockbrokers at the firm, and who now works as a Learning and Development Manager. Both are based in Leeds.

“Redmayne Bentley has always been a forward-thinking firm and has always been fully supportive of women in financial services. They were pivotal in me becoming a stockbroker. They made not only me, but also my fellow female colleagues, strong and capable women, giving us the confidence to succeed resulting in me becoming an Equities, Overseas and Derivatives dealer, which I loved,” says Judith.

Rachel added: “It is true to say I have always felt supported by the firm; they have been brilliant to me. I have always worked in the Leeds office and although a lot has changed over the years, what I enjoyed about the job all those years ago, remains the same today and that is dealing with clients and the relationships you build.”

Rachel and Judith, travelled to London, with other female colleagues from the firm, for the event at The Plaisterers' Hall in London on Thursday (23rd March). A keynote address was provided by Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange.