Despite progress for women in business, the gender pay gap persists – albeit more insidiously than many of us imagine. Workplace harassment still remains a major issue across the UK – one that, historically, has impacted female employees more than male employees. Other issues like pregnancy discrimination also represent an ongoing problem for women in the workplace.

Opting to take on business ownership rather than working in an environment that potentially exacerbates these issues is a real breath of fresh air to many women. New freedoms for women to conduct their own orchestras are making it easier for them to break moulds and challenge stereotypes on their own terms.