There are around 680,000 majority women-owned businesses in the UK generating £45 billion for the UK economy. Women’s Enterprise Day on November 18, part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, is all about celebrating successful female entrepreneurs, and inspiring more women to be the business leaders and owners of tomorrow by starting or growing their business.

In the East of England, women comprise approximately 29 per cent of the self-employed population. However, with Business Link reporting that over half of the delegates attending their start-up workshops are female, an entrepreneurial trait and desire to be self-employed is growing amongst females in the region.

Jill Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive of Business Link in the East of England said: “Every day we work with and meet outstanding female entrepreneurs. Some may have a business idea and come to us for help to make it happen; others are already in business and want to grow. Days such as this are important, both in celebrating success and highlighting the brilliant women in our region who are contributing to the growth of the local economy.”

Lesley Crisp, Business Link Adviser for Women’s Enterprise said: “Many women across the region have decided that setting up a business offers them not only more control over their work-life balance, but also an opportunity to use their skills, talent and knowledge to their full potential. They also appreciate that by working for themselves they will reap the rewards of the time and effort that they put in, rather then contributing to someone else’s profits.

“On top of that, with unemployment increasing, many women have used redundancy as a kickstart to self-employment, rather than looking for another job. Although women often face more barriers than men when setting up a business we can help them gain the knowledge and confidence that they need with workshops, one-to-one business advice and networking events.”