Local industrial estate signs Northamptonshire Women's Charter, extending its commitment to women's safety
Brackmills Industrial Estate has signed the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, reaffirming its commitment to creating safer, more inclusive workplaces and communities.
The Northampton estate has Business Improvement District (BID) status, which means resident businesses pool an annual levy and use this pot of funding to invest in and improve the estate.
Sara Homer, CEO of Brackmills BID, joined representatives from organisations including London Northwestern Railway and Northampton Town Football Club in pledging their commitment to fostering safe and respectful workplaces. Signing the charter reflects the BID's further action in tackling violence against women and girls through both practical measures and workplace culture change.
Sara said: "I was proud to sign the Northamptonshire Women's Charter on behalf of Brackmills BID and to stand in solidarity with women across our region. Women's safety in the workplace and building a culture that does not tolerate harmful language, behaviour and attitudes, is fundamental to creating thriving, inclusive communities.
“This charter represents a genuine commitment to ending violence against women and girls, and by signing, I pledge to encourage and support businesses to foster safe, respectful workplaces through education, empowerment and meaningful policy change."
The Northamptonshire Women's Charter was launched by Danielle Stone, the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, to help organisations and businesses reduce violence against women and girls. Signatories commit to making women's safety a top priority in the workplace and receive support from the Commissioner's office, including training, specialist survey support to help understand what changes women want to see, and guidance on creating workplace policies that prevent harm.
For Brackmills BID, signing the charter builds on work already taking place across the estate - the BID funds a dedicated Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), who operates targeted patrols on key commuter routes, distributes personal security alarms and provides expert safety advice to employees. They have also invested in state-of-the-art mobile and static ANPR CCTV cameras linked to police, and funded anti-spiking tools including reusable drink protectors, bottle protectors and safety test strips, reaching hundreds of employees across the estate.
Charlotte Patrick, Vice Chair of Brackmills BID, added: "This charter signing sends a clear message that we are committed to building a culture of respect and safety across Brackmills. Safety is not just about crime prevention – it's about creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued and protected. By working together with our business community, we can drive real change and create workplaces where women and girls feel genuinely safe."
The charter signing also reflects Brackmills BID's broader commitment to supporting both businesses and people on the estate. Through initiatives such as its partnership with Aquarius Life, which provides confidential wellbeing services around alcohol, drugs and gambling support, the BID continues to invest in creating environments where employees feel valued, safe and respected.
For more information about Brackmills BID and its community initiatives, visit www.brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk
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