The f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 Campaign
Small Business Britain is on a mission to increase the number of female entrepreneurs through their f:Entrepreneur annual campaign. In their words, the campaign “celebrates 100 exceptional women across the UK who are driving innovation, growth, and positive impact in their communities, while running successful businesses.”
Led by Michelle Ovens CBE, each year they select and showcase the UK’s “most inspiring female entrepreneurs” described as living the #iAlso life – those paving a new path for what entrepreneurship can mean.
You can see the list of 100 here – my face is smiling amongst them and I’ve got a profile page of my own too – fancy!
A Place in the Top 100
A few weeks ago I was advised that I’d been selected by Small Business Britain as one of those 100 women and invited to accept my place. Eeek!
You’ll be pleased to know I’ve gratefully accepted.
I’m not yet sure exactly what it means for me over the course of 2026, but being part of the campaign offers access to events and networking along with upskilling in key areas. I’ll certainly share key moments and insights with you.
What I do know with certainty is that it will throw me into the spotlight a little more than I’m used to; something that can bring on the blushes and a compulsion to retreat into the shadows, despite the knowledge that it’s good for business.
So, why get involved if that’s my instant reaction?
Why Be Part of the Campaign?
The short answer: this is about more than me.
As the f:Entrepreneur campaign describes, it is about paving the way, setting an example, showing what’s possible.
The female rate of entrepreneurship and business ownership still lags significantly and I feel that’s a massive missed opportunity for the economy, for employment flexibility, and for families – never mind the female population themselves.
The Invest Women Taskforce 2024 estimated that £250bn could be added to the UK economy is women started and scaled business at the same rate as men.
My reasons
For me personally, accepting and getting involved are all underpinned by topics I’m deeply passionate about:
- Shining a light on women in business, especially those choosing to do it differently, inspiring others in the process.
- Demonstrating that successful second and third careers are entirely possible, are more than a sideline or hobby, and can be great commercial ventures.
- Showing that you can start over, no matter what’s happened, and it’s never too late – I have no doubt that my 50s will be my best professional decade.
- Work being fulfilling, enjoyable, joy-giving AND able to provide financial stability.
- People doing business their way – having the courage to set their rules and make it work – because there’s more than one version of success.
If sharing my story as part of this campaign helps others along the way, then I’m happy – it feels like an important goal achieved.
Of course, I know I’m going to benefit personally too. Meeting inspirational entrepreneurs, the f:Entreprenuer and Small Business Britain teams, along with other inspirational leaders in their specialist fields.
There will be personal growth, out of comfort zone moments, and plenty of those blushes too, I’m sure. I’m here for it, ready to embrace any discomfort, all in the name of progress and advancement.
Legacy In Action
I talk a lot to my clients about professional legacy; the difference they are making now and for the future.
It’s a term people can shy away from, on the assumption that legacy means some grand impact on a global scale. Whereas, for me, legacy is simply about improving something for someone beyond yourself. An outcome you may not benefit from personally, but others will.
I guess my involvement in this 2026 campaign is part of ‘legacy’ for me. A desire to make a difference, to be part of something that encourages and inspires others.
I’ll leave you with this quote – author unknown but usually attributed to Greek origin:
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”