Female founders fly North East flag in Westminster

A delegation of female founders from across the North East travelled to Downing Street yesterday (March 25) to showcase regional entrepreneurship and growth.

Bringing together 50 entrepreneurs from Northumberland to Tees Valley, the event highlighted the scale and diversity of women-led businesses in the region.

The reception, which followed an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring business leaders and Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Government’s Darlington Economic Campus in January, brought together female entrepreneurs from sectors including technology, creative industries, professional services and consumer brands, alongside investors, business leaders and government representatives.

Supported by City Ladies Networking, the event aimed to raise the national profile of North East female founders while creating opportunities for meaningful connections with key decision-makers.

Sophie Milliken MBE, founder of Moja and co-founder of City Ladies Networking, said: “The North East is full of ambitious businesses, but too often they don’t have the same access to networks, visibility or opportunity as other parts of the country.

“Bringing this group of founders together in Downing Street, alongside people who can open doors, is about changing that. 

“This is about making quality connections and making sure the right people are in the room.”

Sophie Milliken MBE speaking at the event, alongside Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: “Boosting regional growth is one of my three big commitments to grow our economy over the next decade, and these women will help make it happen. 

“They have shown that the main barrier is access, not ambition. 

“That’s why we’re working with investors and business leaders to open doors that will lead to real change. 

“We have the right economic plan – one that’s grounded in growing all our regions, not just a few cities.”

The reception focused on informal networking rather than panels or pitches, encouraging open conversations and meaningful connections between founders, investors and decision-makers. 

Designed to support future investment and partnerships, the event also forms part of wider efforts to strengthen regional ecosystems and raise the national profile of high-growth businesses outside London.

Sara Davies MBE, founder and creative director of Crafter’s Companion and former Dragons’ Den investor, added: “I have built my business in the North East for over 20 years and I know just how much talent, creativity and ambition lives here. 

“This region is buzzing with ideas and entrepreneurial energy. 

“Recognition like this is a brilliant starting point for showcasing the powerhouse we have in our North East hub and creating more opportunities for founders to grow, connect and succeed.”

Nikki Masterman, founder of Inspired HR, added: “Being in a room like this with people you wouldn’t normally meet is hugely valuable.

“It’s not just about visibility; it’s about the conversations that can lead to real opportunities, whether that’s partnerships, support or growth. 

“Events like this make a genuine difference to founders building businesses outside London.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “For too long amazing businesswomen like these from the North East have not been given the recognition or the funding they deserve. 

“As North East mayor, I want the region to be recognised as the best place in Britain for women to start and grow their own business, because I know that with the right investment women-led businesses are more likely to succeed. 

“That’s why I have taken real action to support female founders, as well as women in the wider world of work. 

“Today we are demonstrating exactly why the funding and the opportunities must be given to this region.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.