Co-chaired by MAH publishing director Chloe Benson and HR magazine editor Jo Gallacher, the network will be made up of a group of employees committed to improving gender equality within the group.

According to the company, people at Mark Allen are always recognised for their work, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

However, more can be done to improve equality in the workplace, so the network has been set up to raise awareness of gender-related issues and create solutions informed by employees.

It also aims to promote diversity across the group and work with the EDI group, internal and external teams to support the continuous review of Mark Allen policies and practices, ensuring that they reflect a commitment to gender equality.

The network has executive sponsorship from senior leadership in the shape of COO of Mark Allen Jon Benson and MD of MA Exhibitions Tim Willoughby.

It will sit underneath the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group.

Co-chair Chloe Benson said: “It’s great to see the creation of a gender equality group at the Mark Allen and I’m so pleased to be co-chairing. As a female director with 13 years experience, I feel passionately about supporting other women into senior roles in what has traditionally been a largely male-dominated industry.”

The network represents all genders and is made up of women, men and non-binary members, says Mark Allen Group.