Special feature: Women in Business

More women are starting and growing businesses in Lancashire than ever. And more women are being appointed to senior positions. The county’s women are creating opportunities for themselves, their businesses and those around them. Here, in our annual review, we profile the women showing the way in the county’s commercial community.

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive, Marketing Lancashire

Anne Parkinson, managing director, Mayes Accountants

In her 20years with Mayes, winner of this year’s Red Rose Award for financial businesses, Anne has driven innovation through the business with a determination never to shy away from the big ideas. She has revolutionised the way clients are managed and built on Mayes’ reputation for providing services that deliver more, producing exceptional savings and results for an impressive client base. “Women may still need to prove themselves more to their colleagues, clients and suppliers, but there’s no doubt that women can make it at all levels – but it needs hard work,” she says.

Sarah Page, managing director, Plumbs

Suzanne Dennis, managing director, Suzanne Dennis Optometrist

Alison Bargh, director, CityBlock

Caroline James, senior partner, Trevor Dawson

Claire Holt, founder, Flashbang Science

Clare Townley, director, Harmsworth Townley

Emma Clifford, director, First Class Childcare

Christine Winstanley, director, Eric Wright Partnerships (EWP)

Debbie Pettitt, chief executive, Marsden Rawsthorn

Gill Gardner, corporate partner, Brabners Chaffe Street

Jean Atkinson, owner, Eden Marketing

Her passion is training and through Eden Marketing she provides businesses with the tools to ‘do it themselves’. Her jargon-free workshops are focused on developing marketing strategies to achieve results. She’s seen many successes with companies reducing marketing spend whilst still achieving growth and she regularly delivers seminars, mentoring sessions and runs a monthly marketing surgery for business owners.

Joanne Wilcox, commercial property solicitor, Marsden Rawsthorn

Joanne Vary, managing director, Granby Marketing Services

Karen O'Donoghue, chief executive, The Via Partnership

Libby Bridge, head of education, i2i

Liz Faye, managing director and co-founder, Carepal

Maria Moriarty Eames, brand and marketing director, Total Foodservice Solutions

Mary Cross, head of contract services, Glovers Project Services

Michele Needham, managing director, Tulchan

Naomi Fell, director, Harrison Drury solicitors

Sharon Harrison, senior relationship director, Barclays Corporate

Gillian Bardin, managing director, Taylor Patterson

Tricia Morrison, partner and head of construction, Napthens

Antonia Love, partner, Farleys

Liz Cousins, hospital director, Spire Fylde Coast Hospital

Saimina J Virmani, chief executive and solicitor, Joseph Frasier Solicitors

Kate Harling, owner, Marmalade Toast

Kate Bailey, new business manager, Eric Wright Facilities Management (EWFM)

Jane Backhouse, founder, Focus Experiential Training

Janet Cottam, managing director, Bryan Lee Building Contractors

Julie Ryder, founder and managing director, HearFirst Training and Consultancy

Karen Tems, host, The Business Network

Kristen Durose, managing director, Red Star Wealth Management

Louise Potter, director, Taylor Patterson

Debbie King, partner, Farleys Solicitors

Jane Fox, owner, Fired 4 U

Jane Rabbit, owner, The Rabbit Patch

Pia Webb, owner, Webbs Consulting

Shelley Redfern, sales executive, Love to Brand

Jo Scott, owner, Strawberry Standards

Adele King, owner, Ladykings Locksmith

Saira Hussain, director Hussain Architectural Design

Ruth Rule-Mullen, associate solicitor, Forbes

Sarah Duffy, owner, Red Hen Creative

Rachael Nixon, owner, Excel Coaching

Paula Riley, Riley’s Butchers

Helen Cowley, tax manager, Cassons Chartered Accountants