International Women’s Day at the Ministry of Biscuits

At the Ministry of Biscuits, we’re extremely proud to be a female-founded business, also an impressive 80% of our workforce are women. Girl power! Celebrating women’s achievements whilst also creating a gender equal environment is incredibly important to us at Biscuiteers. To celebrate International Women’s Day, which is running a Break the Bias campaign this year, we sat down with five women from different areas of the business. Here they discuss their role at Biscuiteers and the importance of working in a gender equal environment.

Mamou - Senior Boutique Manager

Hi, I’m Mamou, the Senior Boutique Manager at Biscuiteers. I oversee our London Icing Cafes, including the newly launched Biscuiteers Belgravia.
How important is it to work alongside women and other genders in your role?

At Biscuiteers, we make sure to promote all genders equally in all our roles. It is reflected by our executive team, especially with our CEO Harriet, who leads by example as an impressive and successful businesswoman. Having her as a CEO truly reflects our values, hard work and passion in everything we do at Biscuiteers.

This year’s campaign is #BreakTheBias – what does this mean to you?

Break the bias to me means being a part of a movement that is against discrimination and fights negative stereotypes. Even in taking part in an interview like this, I believe it is so important to be able to represent different cultures, values and most of all inclusivity, on a wider scale rather than just at work.

What’s your favourite thing about life at Biscuiteers?

I love the cosmopolitan atmosphere and environment. Being French and a black woman myself, I love that I am surrounded by people from all over the world, who can share their unique perspective and passion at work daily. Also I always feel comfortable to share my ideas and I am always heard.
Manuela - Dispatch Team Leader

Hello, I’m Manuela, the Dispatch Team Leader for Biscuiteers. I supervise the team in our warehouse, making sure that all orders arrive to our customers safely and on time.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

I think celebrating International Women’s Day is important because it’s a day that makes me reflect on the struggle and achievements of women, especially for equality and respect throughout history.

This year’s campaign is #BreakTheBias – what does this mean to you?

#BreakTheBias for me means freedom. A better world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

What’s your favourite thing about life at Biscuiteers?

I really enjoy getting an insight in to how a successful business is run. I also feel very privileged and proud to work alongside such great people.
Kristina – Head of Production

I’m Kristina, Head of Production, this role involves leading my teams of icers, bakers, and packers. I ensure we achieve our targets to keep up with our customer demand, whilst also guiding and supporting them on their journeys at Biscuiteers.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

Throughout history, women have shaped the human experience and transformed our world culturally, socially, and politically. On International Women’s Day we have chance to come together and celebrate the incredible contribution of women to society.

How has your role developed at Biscuiteers?

I started in 2018 as a production manager, leading small group of icers to create our beautiful hand-iced biscuits. In 2019 I was trusted to lead the bakery and packing team too, most recently in 2021 I was promoted to Head of Production, which involves the great responsibility of leading all production teams in the business.

What’s your favourite thing about life at Biscuiteers?

The feeling of teamwork and continuous improvement, and last but not least that we all have a voice in decision making process.
Rose – Corporate Account Manager

Hey, I’m Rose, and I work in the corporate team, helping clients to create thoughtful gifts, whether that’s to show appreciation to staff, thank clients or launch a new product. Our talented icers can create any design to mark all gifting occasions.
How important is it to work alongside women and other genders in your role?

Very! From brainstorming design ideas, providing support and understanding each other’s emotions, especially during our busier periods such as Christmas.

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

It’s important to celebrate our achievements in all areas of life and make a positive change for women all over the world. We need to highlight the small steps of individuals every day which contribute to the bigger picture.

What’s your favourite thing about life at Biscuiteers?

That no day is the same - working with leading global brands, luxury powerhouses, innovative start-ups, and everyone in between! Plus, we get lots of delicious treats in the process...
Mila – Customer Happiness Manager

Hey, I’m Mila, the Customer Happiness Manager here at Biscuiteers. l make sure that the needs of all our lovely customers are being met and exceeded and your experience shopping/visiting with the brand is always a good one.
How important is it to work alongside women and other genders in your role?

Working side-by-side with all genders ensures that we form more of a powerful team, provide better results. My role is to ensure everyone (regardless of gender) has a magical experience therefore it is vital for feedback and thoughts from everyone.

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

We need to remind ourselves of what women have achieved and how far women have come over time. Celebrate not only the artists, authors, scientists, doctors but also mothers, sisters, friends that get up everyday and put themselves out there in a world that can be challenging to navigate because we are women.

This year’s campaign is #BreakTheBias – what does this mean to you?

Be your authentic self. Speak up without having to fear coming across as “bossy”, share your feelings without being told you are being “moody”, able to live your life without the stereotypical labels assigned to you just because of your gender.