100 of the UK’s most dynamic female founders named
A line up of the UK’s most dynamic female entrepreneurs has been unveiled by Small Business Britain, with 100 women who run some of the UK’s most impressive businesses being showcased to highlight the phenomenal contribution to society, economy and communities
that female founders make across the UK.
From adaptive fashion designers to female-run private security companies, social
enterprise leaders and ethical product manufactures, this year’s f:Entrepreneur
‘#ialso100’ campaign celebrates the growing tide of inspirational, multi-achieving female entrepreneurs that lead purpose-driven businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support.
Now in its sixth year, the campaign reflects how female entrepreneurs continue
to thrive in the UK despite the challenges of the past years, with many scaling or starting new ventures.
Indeed, research undertaken
by the campaign last year showed a strong entrepreneurial drive among women in these tough economic times. Almost one fifth (17%) of women in the UK reported considering starting their own businesses, with almost half (48%) citing a desire for more money,
followed by 46 per cent wanting the freedom of being their own boss.
The
f:Entrepreneur campaign
was launched in 2017 to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community. Delivered by Small
Business Britain – the leading champion of small businesses in the
UK – the campaign offers a host of events, training, and networking opportunities to boost skills, capability, and confidence.
Among
this year’s 100 line-up Lisa
Baskott, who started
2nd
Line of Defence, the UK’s first female-focused recruitment agency
in the private security sector, as well as Marsha
Powell, the co-founder of
BelEve
UK – a girl-focused charity working with 8 to 21-year-olds to empower
young women to maximize their potential and celebrate achievements.
Many of the businesses featured in this year’s campaign also demonstrate a huge
commitment to championing diversity and inclusion, as well as promoting sustainability.
For
example, this year’s ialso100 line-up features Morag
Ofili, a barrister who founded
Kiltered
to help small businesses build diverse and inclusive workplaces, as well as Bryna
Chrismas,
who launched adaptable activewear brand Ran
By Nature.
Also
featured is Beccy
Dickson, who runs
EcoFoundry,
which installs and maintains ‘living walls’ across the UK, and Beck
Prior, owner of
Prior
Shop in Bristol which makes sustainable products, as well as offering
creative workshops and free business mentoring.
“The UK is absolutely full of phenomenal female entrepreneurs,
who are doing incredible things that inspire change, often around tackling some of society’s biggest issues,”
said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.
“It is so vital that we give greater recognition to these
trailblazing women and the powerful contribution they make to society and the economy. Times are incredibly hard for many business owners, but inspiring entrepreneurs like these represent the future for the UK economy and deserve encouragement and celebration.”
To see the full line-up of the 100 amazing women featured in this year’s f:entrepreneur
#ialso100 campaign visit
