The Association of Women Travel Executives held its annual Christmas lunch on Monday at Royal Garden Hotel Kensington.

The event, sponsored by Bicester Village, Teletext, Bellisama B and Rex resorts, raised around £10,000 for the Macmillan Trust and as well as £1,800 for the AWTE Benevolent Fund.

In her welcoming speeh, AWTE chairman Tricia Handley said women are now making progress in business.

She said 2007 figures showed 28% of the UK boardroom workforce is now female, finally breaking through the 1 million mark.

The positions held by women grew by 10.5% year on year, compared to 9% for men.

"Change, engagement and business development are three key areas for 2009," said Handley.

"AWTE will take on the challenge of engaging with younger members at the start of their career path through sporting events and education, as well providing events at executive level to aspire women into boardroom success."

The guest speaker was Samantha Bond, aka Miss MoneyPenny from the Bond films.


By Bev Fearis