From adaptive fashion designers to female-run private security companies, social enterprise leaders and ethical product manufactures, this year’s 'Entrepreneur 100’ 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 https://f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2023/