MARIE DAWES - THE BELL, REIGATE

Marie chose the pub trade as her career when she took over the site just a few years ago. Formerly a run down old boozer, she has completely transformed the place into a quality High Street pub that serves customers of all ages and ranges. Marie says, "I would love to see more female Licensees and I'm honestly not sure why there aren't more women in the business. It's a great job, I have an excellent work/life balance and even though the initial year of setting up on your own is difficult, the rewards outweigh it. We need to let more women know, after all people skills are essential in this job, and what woman doesn't like a good natter ? it's the ideal job!"

ELEANOR CONWAY - THE FOX AND HOUNDS, SOUTH GOODSTONE

Eleanor Conway worked as cabin crew for ten years, but helped out with a few shifts in her local pub. She enjoyed the work and decided to get more grounded when she was offered a managerial position. A few years later she took on the Fox & Hounds and has worked hard to put the pub back into the heart of the community. She's attracted families by creating a children?s menu and changing the Premises Licence to allow children in the pub at anytime. Eleanor says: ?I believe women have certain qualities that benefit this type of business. They are generally more perceptive and tend to create homely environments that appeal to a wide variety of customers.?

SUE BOWLER - QUEEN'S LARDER, HOLBORN

Sue wanted to do something for herself after her divorce and running a pub was the obvious choice because she'd worked in them for years. Now operating the successful Queen's Larder in Holborn, she has created a real English pub gem in the heart of the city. Businessmen and tourists alike mingle in a homely, traditional pub with exceptional standards and service.

Speaking about why women make great landladies, Sue says, "I think women pay more attention to detail, as naturally we are homemakers. Small things such as fresh flowers help attract more women into the pub and the higher standards we provide make customers more respectful of their surroundnings."

DEBI SICKLEMORE - GRAFTON ARMS, EUSTON

Landlady, Debi Sicklemore is celebrating running pubs for over 25 years and says it?s the ideal career for women. Debi, who runs the Greene King pub the Grafton Arms in Euston believes the mix of a women?s touch and the ability to multi-task makes women worthy candidates to run pubs. Speaking about her career, Debi says, ?You have to be determined and earn the respect of your customers but the rewards are endless. I?ve been in the business for over 25 years, being my own boss and reaping all the benefits that gives you along the way?.