THE region’s largest independent business organisation has welcomed the Government reinstating the compulsory gender pay gap reporting, but urges companies to submit their data as early as possible, to get a clear picture of the impact of the pandemic on women’s salaries. This work is part of North-East England Chamber’s ambitious campaign to support women in their careers and encourage them to become entrepreneurs. It has established an influential Women’s Leadership Forum with a clear focus on addressing key issues that can hold female businesspeople back, including the gender pay gap. Alix Bolton, of Northumbrian Water, who chairs the forum, said: “There is huge potential for women on our region which, for a range of reasons, is not being unlocked.