The First WOMAN CEO of British Rail

Meet Jackie Chappell who became the first woman CEO of British Rail. Jackie has smashed the glass ceiling, worked with prime ministers, cabinet members and union bosses.

The first WOMEN CEO of the British Rail Industry Jackie Chappell is coming to Swindon next month to share her incredible entrepreneurial story at the region’s largest business show – The South West Business Expo on 5th July at The Steam Museum, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY.

2018 is being called the celebration year for Women as we mark the 100yr anniversary of Women suffrage and them getting the vote. In celebration, we are pleased to announce that we will be having Jackie Chappell the 1st Woman CEO of British Rail as one of our keynote speakers next month’s South West Business Expo

Jackie Chappell can tell it like it is a woman in business today. She has been at the coalface of British industry, worked her way to the top in a corporate environment, and (most recently) set up her own business which is now also a massive success. Jackie has fought passionately for gender equality, equal pay and equal representation at the board level. Having worked with previous prime ministers, cabinet members and trade union bosses Jackie Chappell provides a unique “voice" for women in business on some of the industry stories hitting the headlines, as well as offering expert advice and expertise on how to get ahead in business today.

Jackie's Story: As a woman, if you were to think of a dynamic, creative and rapidly growing industry that could take you places (excuse the pun) - the rail industry probably isn't the first, second, or even third industry that would spring to mind. The UK makes more than a billion passenger railway journeys each year, but despite that, it's an industry that few of us know much about.

It's also an industry we begin to form preconceptions about from an early age. Some of the nation's most treasured books, such as Thomas the Tank Engine depict our railways controlled by a stoic male - the Fat Controller. Although the rail industry has rapidly changed since then - those male-dominated images remain with us.

In this male-dominated sector, Jackie Chappell had a successful career in the rail industry where she rose from being a part-time employee selling tickets to become the first woman Chief Executive of British Rail, making her the first ever women CEO in the British Rail Industry.

Through Jackie's influence, the first female train drivers in the 80's were introduced however this resulted in men refusing to get on trains when a woman was at the helm. Even today the rail sector is still working hard to change its image. We invited to be inspired and motivated by Jackie Chappell and the fantastic stories of her fight for equality, smashing the glass ceiling and evolving perceptions within British Industry to help women put their best foot forward in their careers.

It is free to attend The South West Business Expo, however, due to popular demand and to avoid disappointment; it is advisable to pre-register your place to Jackie’s keynote. Click here to register or call 0843 289 4634 or email [email protected] [email protected]

The event is free to attend and will include over 100 exhibitors, industry-leading workshops, one to one clinics on fundamental business issues including funding available, as well as excellent networking opportunities. 

Alec Jones-Hall, Director of The South West Business Expo, said:

“We are delighted to be bringing this year’s expo back to Swindon and do not doubt that this year will again deliver another highly successful business show for the region. Our passion is supporting regional business growth, and this show is designed around attendees meeting new clients, suppliers, prospects - or just catching up with old business associates.”

Don't miss the region’s most significant business event. Ensure that you are one of the 1000+ Businesses that will be attending the region’s most significant business event this year!