International Women’s Day 2026 embraces the theme ‘Give to Gain’, highlighting the power of opportunity, reciprocity, and support in the workplace.
We are proud to be part of a culture where giving back through mentorship, collaboration, and recognition, creates pathways for growth and progress. This spirit of reciprocity not only empowers individuals but strengthens teams and drives innovation, making our workplace a more inclusive and inspiring space for all.
Together, women at allpay drive progress through shared ideas, mutual support, and collective success.
Women at the heart of allpay
The women at allpay play a vital role to our success. From leadership positions to emerging talent, their expertise, creativity, and dedication help shape our culture and drive innovation every day.
This strength in representation is particularly evident at board level, where women hold the majority of seats. Five of our Six board members are women, Michelle Pacey ad Managing Director, Mary Cotton as Deputy Managing Director, Victoria Preece as Director of Governance, Claire Sambrook a Finance Director, and Becky Portis as Product and Programme Delivery Director.
Beyond the boardroom, we are proud to have 40 women in leadership roles across the business. In the past year alone, 33 women have progressed in their careers at allpay. Our overall workplace also reflect a healthy gender balance, with a 5:7 male-to-female employees’ ratio.
These achievements reflect our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and supporting progression across all levels. They also resonate with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’. By investing in women at allpay through development, recognition, and meaningful career pathways, we not only empower individuals but strengthen our organisation as a whole.
Why progress matters
according to the World Economic Forum, between 2015 and 2024 the share of women in top management globally rose from 25.7% to 28.1%, however progress has slowed since 2022. Women’s workforce participation reached 41.2% in 2024, with notable gains in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
These statistics remind us that while progress is being made, there is still work to do – and initiatives like ‘Give to Gain’ are vital to sustaining momentum.
Staff stories – giving back in action
Our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is reflected in the achievements of the women who have grown and thrived within allpay. Through guidance, collaboration, and encouragement, many have advanced their careers while inspiring others along the way.
One such example is Ruth Davies, who joined allpay in 2020 as a Level 2 Customer Service Apprentice. Today, she is our Client Services Team Leader, winner of the All-Round Shining Star Award, and HWGTA’s Commerce Apprentice of the Year. Ruth’s journey demonstrated that apprenticeships at allpay are far more than an entry point – they serve as a launchpad for meaningful, long-term career progression and leadership opportunities.
Another inspiring example comes from Emily Lovelock, who recently stepped into the role of Sales Director (Non-Board) for allpay cards. Emily began her journey with us in 2015 as a Card Services Account Manager. Her steady progression reflects a workplace culture that actively champions growth, collaboration, and ambition, enabling women to pursue senior leadership roles with confidence.
Macey Boyle also embodies this spirit of development. Starting as an HR Apprentice, she quickly became a valued member of our People & Talent team, taking on everything from sickness record management to internal people events. Now a People & Talent Administrator, she is looking to complete her Level 5 People Professional apprenticeship and has also been recognised for her dedication, winning the Level 2 Apprentice of the Year Award for HWGTA. Her journey shows how confidence, support, and the right opportunities can drive meaningful career progression.
Bea Sidhu is another outstanding example of progression within allpay. Bea joined the business in 2018 as a Test Lead – Junior Test Analysts and has since advanced to become Head of Application Delivery. Alongside her role, she is currently completing her Level 6 Chartered Manager qualification, demonstrating both her personal dedication to growth and allpay’s commitment to supporting development through internal progression and external learning.
Leading the way in FinTech
The rise of women in fintech leadership is a powerful testament to how diversity drives innovation and success. At allpay, this ethos starts at the top. We are especially inspired by our Managing Director Michelle Pacey, whose leadership exemplifies what it means to pave the way for women in fintech. Michelle joined allpay in 2007 as Publishing Director. In 2014 she became Commercial & Marketing Director, responsible for sales, marketing & PR for bill payment and prepaid products. In 2021, she became Managing Director, and now reports directly to the owner, and leads an executive team of six board directors. Michelle is passionate about creating opportunities for others and amplifying women’s voices in an industry that is rapidly evolving.
At allpay, ‘Give to Gain’ isn’t just a theme – it’s how we work. By lifting others, we build a culture where success is collective and a workplace where everyone can thrive.
We remain committed to building on this momentum, continuing to give women the support, space, and opportunities they need to thrive, and in turn gaining a more diverse, dynamic, and forward-thinking allpay.
International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating the women of today – it’s about paving a way, inspiring, encouraging, and giving to the women of tomorrow.
