MAYFEST – A FEMALE POWERHOUSE OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS

At a time when conversations about women in business are louder than ever, it’s easy for words to outpace action. What sets Mayfest apart is simple: they’re not just talking about it, they’re building it, living it, and investing in it every day.

As an international contractor management company specialising in compliant payroll and contractor engagement solutions, Mayfest partners with contract recruitment businesses and contractors across the globe. In a sector where precision, trust, and compliance are critical, their expertise ensures that businesses can operate seamlessly while contractors are supported every step of the way.

The recent appointment of Michelle Reilly as Non-Executive Director marks another meaningful step in that journey and signals something even more powerful: Mayfest is becoming a female powerhouse of industry experts.

With nearly three decades of experience, Michelle has long been a trailblazer - one of the first women to establish and lead an international management company in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Her career has been defined not only by her expertise, but by her commitment to lifting others up. Whether mentoring emerging leaders or helping global businesses deliver complex projects, she has consistently championed the idea that success is something to be shared.

For Mayfest’s founders, Amy Dunn and Stefanie Cook, that philosophy feels deeply personal.

Amy’s story is one of dedication and growth. Starting in the sector at just 16, in her very first job out of school, she has worked across every corner of the business. That hands-on experience has shaped her into an operations expert who understands not just how a company runs but how people thrive within it. Today, as a Managing Director and a mother to a three-year-old son, her motivation has taken on an even deeper meaning. Building a successful business is no longer just about performance, it’s about creating something lasting, something her family can be proud of, and something that opens doors for others.

Stef’s journey mirrors that same determination. Beginning her career at 17, she has spent over 15 years refining her craft, driven by a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service and building meaningful client relationships. Her leadership has seen her develop high-performing sales teams and foster a culture of excellence. As she prepares for her wedding this summer, Stef is also focused on another long-term commitment: shaping Mayfest into the most trusted international compliance and payroll partner in the sector.

Together, Amy and Stef represent a new generation of leadership, one that blends ambition with empathy, and commercial success with purpose.

The addition of Michelle Reilly strengthens that vision. Having worked with both Amy and Stef previously, her appointment is more than strategic, it’s a continuation of a shared belief system. She brings experience, perspective, and a proven track record of empowering women to step into leadership roles and succeed on their own terms.

What makes Mayfest’s approach resonate is its authenticity. Yes, they are committed to championing women in business. Yes, they are focused on creating more opportunities for women to grow and lead. But they are equally clear that excellence has no gender. If the right person comes along, they will always be given the opportunity to succeed.

That balance between intention and inclusivity is what makes their story compelling.

In a landscape where many organisations are still finding their footing, Mayfest offers a refreshing example of what it looks like to truly live your values. By combining industry-leading compliant payroll solutions with a genuine commitment to people, they are not just supporting global businesses, they are shaping a more inclusive, forward-thinking future for the industry.

And for businesses striving to do the same, the message is simple but powerful: meaningful change doesn’t come from statements it comes from decisions, from the people you empower, and from the culture you build every day. It’s about creating environments where talent is recognised, voices are heard, and opportunities are genuinely accessible.

There is no single blueprint. But there is a starting point: choose to act. Champion someone. Open a door. Invest in potential. And most importantly, lead in a way that others can follow.

Because when businesses commit to lifting others up, the impact goes far beyond their own walls, it shapes industries, communities, and futures.