Chamber Conversations: Hazel Hayden from Bristol Menopause

At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations - from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities - all working to make our region stronger and more connected.

This June, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Chamber members, Bristol Menopause, whose commitment to improving menopause awareness and inclusivity in both healthcare and the workplace makes a vital difference. This Pride Month, we’re reminded of the need for workplaces to be welcoming to all gender identities and experiences and we’re so grateful to Bristol Menopause for answering our questions. 

We caught up with Hazel Hayden,  founder and Clinical Director of the Bristol Menopause Clinic, to hear more about their mission and how becoming a Chamber member is helping them connect with the business community.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Bristol Menopause. What does a typical day look like?

I'm Hazel Hayden, founder and Clinical Director of the Bristol Menopause Clinic. As a British Menopause Specialist and registered nurse, I've dedicated my career to women's health, with a particular passion for menopause care. My days are wonderfully varied - I spend time in the clinic with patients, providing evidence-based advice and developing personalised treatment plans that truly make a difference to their lives.  

I also mentor other clinicians who are developing expertise in this field, which I find incredibly rewarding. Beyond direct patient care, I work closely with our fantastic admin and support team to maintain our high standards, and I'm actively involved in education and outreach work. 

I'm particularly passionate about contributing to broader conversations around menopause support in workplaces and improving how our healthcare systems approach this stage of life.

Can you tell us more about what your company does, where it is based, and its impact on the local business landscape and beyond?

Bristol Menopause Clinic is a specialist service located in Portbury, Bristol, two minutes off Junction 19 of the M5. 

We provide comprehensive, tailored menopause care to women throughout the South West and increasingly beyond our region - either in person or virtually. Our services include detailed consultations, individualised treatment planning, and crucial ongoing support for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.  

What excites me most is how we're contributing to a real cultural shift. As awareness around menopause grows, we're not just treating patients - we're educating businesses about how they can better support their staff during this transition. We're genuinely proud to be part of changing how menopause is perceived and managed, particularly in workplace environments where support has historically been lacking. 

How do you approach inclusivity and wellbeing in the workplace, particularly when it comes to supporting all employees through health journeys such as menopause? 

While inclusivity is fundamental to how we operate internally, a significant part of our work involves helping other businesses transform their approach to menopause support.  

We work extensively with organisations across various sectors to develop comprehensive menopause policies and create genuinely inclusive workplace cultures. This includes delivering tailored training sessions for HR teams and management, helping them understand the wide-ranging impact menopause can have on their workforce. We guide businesses in implementing practical adjustments like flexible working arrangements, creating supportive environments for open dialogue, and establishing clear pathways for employees to access help.  

Many companies come to us because they recognise that supporting employees through menopause isn't just the right thing to do, but it's essential for retention, productivity, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.  

We're particularly proud of helping businesses move from reactive approaches to proactive, preventative strategies that benefit their entire workforce. We have recently designed and set up a Menopause Champions training programme to provide more support for businesses and their employees. This offers practical support, and we hope to turn it into a network where best practice ideas are shared. 

Thinking about our Chamber Network, do you have any tips for sole traders or SME businesses who want to better support menopausal wellbeing in their own organisations, and what first steps would you recommend?

This is such an important question, and my advice is simple: start the conversation today. Create an open, non-judgmental space where your employees feel genuinely safe discussing menopause without fear of discrimination or dismissal. Take time to educate yourself and your team; there are excellent, reputable resources and training sessions available. Take a look at our Menopause Champions training. 

Even as a small organisation, consider developing a menopause policy and be prepared to offer reasonable adjustments when needed. But most importantly, listen actively to your employees and be proactive rather than reactive. You'd be amazed how small, thoughtful changes can make an enormous difference to someone's working life and wellbeing. 

How long have you been a member of Business West Chambers of Commerce, and what prompted you to join?

We've been proud members of Business West for the last couple of years now. We made the decision to join because we recognised the immense value of being part of such a supportive and resource-rich network.  

As a growing clinic with a genuine mission to make a meaningful impact in women's health, I wanted to connect with like-minded businesses and contribute actively to the regional conversation around health, wellbeing, and workplace inclusivity. It felt like a natural fit for our values and ambitions. 

What has been most valuable to you as a Business West Chamber Member?

The networking opportunities and access to business support have been absolutely invaluable. Being part of a community that actively shares knowledge and resources has given us the confidence to grow and expand our reach. What I particularly appreciate is the platform it provides for raising awareness around menopause and women's health in business settings, as this aligns perfectly with our core values and mission. The connections we've made have opened doors we might never have discovered otherwise and provided training opportunities we did not realise were available. 

Finally, what advice would you give to a business thinking of becoming a member of our Business West Chambers of Commerce?