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The Ripple Effect of Supporting Female Entrepreneurs

heatherofford0

As a director of Clarity Consultants and the co-founder of the Scottish Growth Summit, I often find myself surrounded by inspiring women. My passion for supporting women in business goes beyond just numbers and statistics, though those certainly play a part. It’s about the energy, the drive, and the willingness to open up and take charge of their futures that makes working with women in business so rewarding.


The nature of what we do at Clarity Consultants is built around being open and vulnerable. We work with clients on finances, motivation, strengths, and weaknesses, encouraging them to ask for help without fear of judgment. Women, in particular, are often more willing to embrace this level of honesty and self-reflection, which can be pivotal in their growth journey. It’s this willingness to be real and show up authentically that fosters true progress, and that’s where the magic happens.


My passion for seeing women do well isn’t simply because they are female. It’s about addressing a real disparity in our society. Currently, female entrepreneurs contribute over £105 billion to the UK economy annually, but this is still well below their male counterparts. If women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men, we could add a staggering £250 billion to the UK economy by 2030. This isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a benefit to everyone. It’s in all of our interests to see women reach the stage where they are contributing equally, for the benefit of the whole economy.


Women-led businesses and communities often cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment. Research indicates that businesses led by women are 5% more likely to prioritise social responsibility, which impacts communities positively beyond just profit margins. At the Scottish Growth Summit, we create spaces for women to come together, share experiences, and lift each other up. The impact this has on individual confidence and the collective drive to succeed is incredible to witness.


I’m fully aware that there are systemic changes needed to see true equality in business. From access to funding to addressing biases and creating a supportive policy environment, there’s work to be done. But while these larger issues are being addressed, we all have a role to play in supporting women as they venture into business. The number of female-founded businesses in Scotland has grown by 38% over the past five years, a promising trend, but there’s still a long way to go.


At both Clarity Consultants and the Scottish Growth Summit, my aim has always been to create opportunities and platforms for women to connect, learn, and grow together. Whether it’s through our Growth Roadmap or the inspiring speakers at the Summit, these opportunities are designed to foster collaboration and build a network of support. It’s about creating a community where women feel valued and supported as they pursue their ambitions.


When women succeed, it’s not just about achieving gender equality—it’s about enhancing the economy and creating more innovative, diverse, and socially responsible businesses. It’s estimated that one-third of all UK entrepreneurs are female, employing around 1.65 million people. Increasing this figure can only lead to more jobs, more opportunities, and a more dynamic business landscape.


In the end, supporting women in business isn’t about putting one group ahead of another. It’s about building a future where everyone has an equal chance to contribute, thrive, and succeed. My journey in supporting women is driven by a deep belief that together, we can make that future a reality. Let’s keep moving forward and supporting each other, because the success of women in business is a win for everyone.


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