Women don't lack ambition, they lack access

Women are building successful businesses across every sector, yet many still struggle to access the buyers, investors and commercial opportunities that help companies grow.

This October, hundreds of founders, buyers, investors and business leaders are expected to gather in Blackpool for SheChain Live, a new national event designed to help change that.

Taking place on Thursday 1 October at the Winter Gardens, the event will bring together the people behind purchasing decisions with the entrepreneurs behind the UK's next generation of businesses. It is followed on Friday 2 October by the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS), the UK's largest celebration of women in business, creating a two day programme focused on business growth, commercial opportunities and recognition.

Although women lead around one in five UK businesses, they continue to receive a disproportionately small share of investment and remain underrepresented in supply chains and procurement opportunities. Government analysis suggests closing this gap could add more than £250bn to the UK economy.

For many founders, the hardest part isn't building a great business. It's getting in front of the people who can help it grow.

From fashion brands and food businesses to health products, logistics, manufacturing and technology, SheChain Live will bring together women who have transformed ideas into thriving businesses, alongside organisations looking to discover innovative suppliers and future partners.

Coral Horn, founder of SheChain Live and the Enterprise Vision Awards, said: "Women don't need fixing. The opportunities do. There is no shortage of ambition, innovation or capability. The challenge has always been access - access to buyers, procurement teams, investors and decision-makers who can genuinely change the trajectory of a business. That's exactly what we've created."

Among the headline speakers are Karen Millen, who built one of Britain's best known fashion brands from a £100 loan, and Emma Jones, the UK's small business commissioner, who will discuss the challenges facing SMEs, including late payments, business growth and creating a fairer business environment for small businesses.

Karen said "Throughout my career I've learned that success is rarely a straight line, and I'm looking forward to sharing the lessons, challenges and opportunities that have shaped my journey in business. I hope attendees leave feeling inspired to take the next step towards building something meaningful of their own."

Emma said "We are on a mission to make life easier for small firms by getting money moving faster through the economy. I want to see female founders get the funding and support they need to thrive. I know from starting, growing and selling a business from a home base myself the joy of running your own business and I want other women to enjoy the productive and enjoyable growth their businesses deserve. I am looking forward to speaking at SheChain Live and meeting the incredible female entrepreneurs."

The programme combines keynote interviews with practical sessions covering retail, procurement, finance, investment and inclusive leadership.

Recognising that visibility is increasingly important for business growth, the ITV News team will also lead Confidence on Camera sessions, helping founders develop the confidence and communication skills to become recognised voices in their industries and make the most of future media opportunities.

Female entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to meet representatives from household names including Ryman, Holiday Inn and Booths, alongside investors, procurement teams and industry experts looking to discover innovative suppliers and emerging brands.

The event is powered by organisations including WEConnect International, ITV, The Pro Club, Marshall Harmony, Vibes and Visibility, JGP Consultancy and The Confident Beauty Collective, GS1 UK and Help to Grow: Management.

Created by the team behind the Enterprise Vision Awards, which has celebrated outstanding women in business since 2011, SheChain Live builds on fifteen years of championing female entrepreneurship by creating even more opportunities for business growth.

Coral said: "For 15 years we've celebrated women building remarkable businesses. Recognition opens the door, but commercial opportunities help businesses grow. This is about creating the conversations that lead to new customers, investment, partnerships and contracts."

SheChain Live is open to founders, business owners and professionals from every sector. Tickets and exhibition opportunities are available at https://wib360.com/shechain-live/.