Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is calling for Shotley peninsula businesses to sign its pledge, committing to support better gender equality in the workplace, ahead of International Women's Day next Monday.

The Pledge, which already has already been signed by more than 30 businesses including East of England Co-op, Kier, and Associated British Ports, calls for businesses to examine the gender balance within their workplaces and to actively support the removal of barriers faced by employees at major points of career development and life changes.

Once signed up to the Pledge, businesses will be able to access additional support from Suffolk Chamber to help them reach their full potential by benefiting from the skills and talents of a diverse workforce, including interactive workshops and discussions.

Mark Tyldesley, managing director of Muntons and board member of Suffolk Chamber's Suffolk Business Women, was integral to the creation of the pledge and said: "Muntons is committed to advancing equality in our business, and I have been proud to have been able to support Suffolk Chamber in shaping the pledge to highlight businesses who want to publicly commit their support of actively advancing gender equality, to improve the outcomes of all their staff."

Michelle Pollard, managing director of online recruitment advertiser Spider and chair of Suffolk Chamber's Suffolk Business Women commented: "By signing up to this pledge, this will help local businesses who recognise the importance of creating a balance within the workplace, particularly at a senior and board level, and ensure we make the most of the talent available in our county."

Amanda Ankin, operations director at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce added: "This is an ambitious new target for Suffolk Chamber, and we strongly believe that a more diverse workplace will deliver better results for Suffolk and for Suffolk businesses' competitiveness in future years."

If any business would like to be recognised as a supporter of gender diversity in the workplace, they can sign up to Suffolk Chamber's Gender Equality in Business Pledge by going to www.suffolkchamber.co.uk/representing-you/suffolk-business-women/