Greggs are incredibly proud to announce that Suzanne Cooper, our Bakery Manager at Manchester Bakery, was awarded a Retail Ambassador of the year award at the EveryWoman Awards in September 2015.

Joining Greggs twenty years ago in customer-facing roles, Suzanne rose through the ranks, becoming one of the business' first employees from a retail background to move into supply chain as Bakery Manager at the Manchester bakery.

Roisin Currie, People Director, comments 'Suzanne is not only a role model for women in business, but for all those who have taken a risk and made a career change. We are incredibly proud of her achievement, which is very much deserved.'

Maxine Benson, Co-founder of everywoman comments: 'All this year's Ambassadors demonstrate the confidence, enthusiasm and ambition that a retail role model should possess. What struck the judging panel was how many of them have not only taken great risks but are willing to work so hard to see their ideas realised. Their energy and achievements are hugely inspirational for future generations considering their career options. They showcase retail to be the very exciting industry that it is. We congratulate all twelve of them.'

Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, continues: 'The role of women in retail has never been more pivotal than it is today. Through their hard work and dedication, women in the industry have forged a path into some of the most influential roles in their sector, whether that's on the shop floor or in the most senior positions, and the results speak for themselves. The 12 ambassadors chosen this year, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved, both to women working in the industry today and to future generations. We congratulate all 12 of them.'

Women are estimated to make over 80% of all consumer-purchasing decisions, and to ensure these customers' needs and requirements are met, it is essential that retail organisations represent this demographic at a senior level. This is why the 2015 Specsavers everywoman in Retail Ambassador programme is supported by a number of businesses who are committed to championing diversity at all levels, including the British Retail Consortium, Kingfisher plc, Pentland Group plc, QVC, Worldpay UK, Santander, Asda, Salesforce, DFS and SSE.

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