Emily Kettle, left, and Claire Spencer of Facts International

Two women have smashed through the glass ceiling to land top seats in the boardroom.

Emily Kettle and Claire Spencer - of Ashford's Facts International, a market research agency and part of Chime Insight and Engagement Group - have been promoted after only a few years with the business.

Chime encourages talented women to go for senior roles while many companies face criticism for male-dominated boardrooms.

Emily has worked for Facts since 2007 and becomes managing director.

Claire, previously group financial controller, is group financial director.

Emily said: "My message to all young women starting out is it's hard out there but nothing's impossible – work hard and challenge yourself and you never know what opportunities might crop up."

Claire added: "To be successful having a good work ethic is essential but it also helps to be someone that offers solutions to problems, rather than just highlighting them."