TWO Scots have been named among the UK’s 100 most inspirational female entrepreneurs.
Carol Jackson who founded Glasgow’s Ellis Gin and Leanne Farmer who founded A wee pedal cycle tours in Edinburgh are being showcased alongside other entrepreneurs from across the UK, as part of Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 campaign, which is recognising achievements of women during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now in its fourth year, f:Entrepreneur was launched to highlight female role models to help and inspire all small businesses, through content, stories and events. It particularly aims to showcase trailblazing female entrepreneurs that lead small businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support, activities.
Jackson was called out not only for her drive, determination and dedication during the pandemic – but also for her support and volunteering in the local community – raising much needed cash for local charities by running virtual gin events and contributing 10% of money raised during a crowdfunder campaign to NHS Charities Together.
Farmer loaned out her fleet of bikes to key workers,serviced bikes and offered free community rides throughout the year. She has also won three national awards for “Best start-up business” for her work during 2020.
On being listed in the #ialso100, Jackson said: “I am absolutely ecstatic to have been included alongside all the other inspirational Small Business Leaders. [Last year] was a struggle for all businesses however we are pleased that we stayed focussed and came out of the pandemic thriving and are looking forward to the opportunities that 2021 will bring. And being one of only two Scottish business owners recognized is amazing.”
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Farmer said: “I’m delighted to be chosen as part of the ‘100’ and honoured to be listed alongside the other women who have remained positive and determined throughout the pandemic. During 2020, like most other small businesses, I had to adapt and re-focus my business. I needed to feel useful and purposeful during the pandemic so I started running women-only bike maintenance classes and confidence rides for women who re-discovered cycling as well as family friendly cycle tours for locals who had no bike or confidence on where to go. I really love what I do and get enormous joy out of all aspects A wee pedal now provides.”
Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens MBE, she said: “Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish.
“We need to continue, and increase, our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.”
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