FDM Group's COO Sheila Flavell is a Finalist in the Everywoman in Technology Awards

The Everywoman in Technology Awards finalists were announced recently and FDM COO Sheila Flavell is a finalist for Leader of the Year. Sheila is an alumni of the University of Brighton and instrumental in FDM's campaign to champion women in IT. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) February 14, 2012 - FDM Group's Chief Operating Officer, Sheila Flavell, has been announced as a finalist in the Leader of the Year category of the Everywoman in Technology Awards.

Launched in 2011, the awards recognise inspirational women in the technology industry who demonstrate that women can enjoy highly successful, satisfying careers in what is typically a male dominated industry.

Upon hearing the news, Sheila Flavell said, "It is an honour to be a finalist for the Leader of the Year award. I believe the lack of women in IT is shocking and I have personally implemented a female mentoring programme at FDM to champion the inclusion of more women in IT."

Since joining FDM in 1998, Sheila has been instrumental in growing and evolving the company's service offerings. She quickly progressed through the ranks to her current position on the Board of Directors and is now the Chief Operating Officer and part-owner of the business.

FDM's Academy Programme for graduates has become a cornerstone of the business and Sheila has been largely responsible for expanding this graduate programme and implementing an ongoing strategy for new market penetration.

Sheila transitioned the Academy from a training course into a highly successful, award-winning IT graduate scheme that bridges the gap between university and employment. In 2009, just 250 trainees undertook the Academy programme, whereas in 2012 FDM is recruiting 1,000 graduates to join the company, making FDM the UK's leading IT graduate employer.

Sheila has also been instrumental in expanding the company's international footprint, with FDM now boasting eight offices worldwide and increasing its presence every year. As a result, FDM is recruiting and training graduates abroad as well as placing them with international clients.

FDM Marketing Manager, Nabila Salem, reports directly to Sheila and said, "Sheila is a truly inspirational female in the technology industry. She has played a pivotal role in FDM's expansion and global success, and is passionate about championing women in IT. Sheila quickly earns the respect of her staff, and she is a worthy finalist for Leader of the Year."

The Everywoman in Technology Awards come at a time where the lack of women in IT is a critical issue for the industry. According to the e-skills 2011 report, UK Technology Insights, only 18% of IT and Telecoms professionals are female, down from 22% in 2001. This is despite the fact that 47% of the UK workforce is female.

In a bid to combat this shortage, Sheila instigated the FDM 'Women in IT' campaign which encourages and supports women to enter the IT industry and established a female mentoring programme at FDM.

Sheila is FDM's Global Female Champion and in 2011 was invited to sign the CEO Charter with the UKRC, formally accrediting FDM as an organisation with a visible commitment to women in science, engineering and technology (SET).

As part of FDM's ongoing initiative, Sheila mentors other female managers in the business, works closely with the media and is involved with internal and external events, including recently judging the science and technology category at 'The First Woman Awards'.

As a working mother who has risen through the ranks in a male dominated industry through sheer hard work and passion, Sheila is an inspirational role model to other women and a testament to what women can accomplish if they aspire to work in the technology industry.

The winners of the Everywoman in Technology awards will be announced on 29th March at The Savoy, London.

To find out more about FDM please visit http://www.fdmgroup.com

For more information and high res images please contact Maree Pickford at maree.pickford ( @ ) fdmgroup dot com

FDM Group is an international IT Services Provider specialising in six core service areas: Project Management Office, Application Support, Development, Testing, Infrastructure and Training. Renowned for service excellence, FDM supplies effective and innovative IT solutions to over 200 blue-chip clients worldwide. With offices in the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA, FDM has shown exponential growth throughout the years and has firmly established itself as an award-winning IT Services Provider.

FDM Academy is a division of FDM Group, responsible for launching the IT careers of 3,000 graduates worldwide, for over 21 years. The Academy's award-winning graduate Programme consists of approximately 12-16 weeks of skills development followed by two years employment and is designed to provide both the practical skills and business awareness required in today's demanding workplace.

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