Female Founder looks to expand support network

A Teesside entrepreneur is expanding a support network designed to help more women launch and grow successful businesses.

Stockton-based business owner Max Freer has developed Female Founder UK to provide mentoring, peer support and business guidance for female entrepreneurs balancing business ambitions with caring and family responsibilities.

The initiative was launched three years ago alongside Max’s OOK brand marketing agency in response to what she saw as a lack of tailored support for women in business across Teesside.

Speaking to Amy Oakden on BBC Tees, Max said: “Three years ago, I had the idea to incorporate a new company – and I trademarked Female Founder UK.

“At that point, I had been in business for 20 years and during that time, I’d seen a significant growth in women-led businesses and women-built brands on Teesside, while I have been supporting other female founders to catalyse their business growth.

“What I realised through that journey was that there was just no support for women in business – female founders.”

Her comments follow recent figures showing women account for just 15 per cent of business owners in the North East, while the majority of venture capital funding continues to go to male-led companies.

Max added: “I think we need a whole system process.

“What a lot of women lack is understanding of business strategy and marketing strategy, and how to take their conceptual idea into (creating) a product or service and then catalysing that for real growth.

“We need a whole system process in the Tees Valley, so women can get the investment and the support they need.”

Female Founder UK is now expanding beyond the region, with events planned in Teesside, Manchester and London.

Upcoming events include The Longevity Lunch at 14 Drops Market Hall in Yarm on Tuesday, May 26, featuring nutritionist Angela Beecroft.

Max adds that stronger peer networks, improved access to investment and better business support are all needed to help more women turn ideas into sustainable companies.

She said: “The lunch for female founders with Angela Beecroft offering advice on the importance of looking after ourselves demonstrates the holistic approach Female Founder UK is taking to the wellbeing of female business owners.

“Through our events, we look at everything from successful marketing and storytelling for our brands through to physical and mental wellbeing, juggling childcare and other caring responsibilities and practical nuts and bolts advice on the realities of running a business day to day.

“We are building up a wonderful community of female entrepreneurs across Teesside and beyond – and people who come to our events regularly talk about how friendly and empowering they find them.”

To find out more about the lunch at Market Hall in Yarm, click here.

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