‘Leading Ladies in Business’ (LLIB) was formed in 2018 by Clare Bowers and Carolyn Whitehead, after The Women’s Organisation introduced the two successful business owners to each other. Clare owned an online magazine called MUMBOSSUK and Carolyn a Community Interest Company called Beautiful New Beginnings. They both felt there was a need in Liverpool for a more focused female networking group along with a stronger networking event offering for women in business in the city. After extensive research they tailored the perfect calendar of events and LLIB was born, which supports women to run their own successful and profitable businesses with opportunities to network as well as learn new, effective ways to move their businesses forward.
Five years on, LLIB has a community of over 12,000 women and has branched out to the likes of wider the Merseyside area, Manchester, Leeds, Cheshire and even as far afield as New Zealand, with the finishing touches being put in place for operations in the UK in London, Derbyshire and Sheffield.
Clare Bowers comments “We are truly overwhelmed with the response to LLIB both locally and nationally; we feel a lot of women resonate with us as we ourselves are both mums and business owners from very diverse backgrounds and we understand the challenges and support women in business need. It’s so rewarding watching how our members grow, develop and really work together and support each other. Many people talk about women supporting women but it’s truly inspiring to witness. The LLIB community supports women in building the relationships that lead to referrals and provides a safe space to ask for support, guidance and business information.”
On 8th March 2023, International Women’s Day (IWD), LLIB will be holding a live inspiring event to celebrate the occasion. The team will be driving a female takeover in collaboration with Clockwise Offices in locations throughout the country. There will be simultaneous events linked by live feed which will take place in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Cheshire; connecting communities, celebrating achievements and marking a huge step forward for our businesses and our members.
Clare comments “We’re inviting women in business across multiple locations of the UK to come together and celebrate their success whilst encouraging the next steps to a gender-neutral world. The event will include key guest speakers, refreshments, speedy networking and is set to be an inspiring and motivational day really highlighting the strengths of women in business. This year’s IWD vision and event theme is ‘Imagine a gender equal world’; a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.”
The event will also mark the launch of an exciting new magazine promoting women in business – an advertising platform for female-led businesses to shout about the incredible work they are doing in the city. It will provide an opportunity for businesses to promote their services and/or products at a time when, economically speaking, times are tough. The launch of the LLIB magazine will provide support and guidance to female entrepreneurs.
“Our vision is to support and empower a generation of women to run effective and profitable businesses and to define success on their own terms. If women were supported to run their own businesses, the return on that investment to the economy would be huge. We want to be part of the movement that forges that change”, comments Carolyn.
She adds “Another key focus for this year is to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community by ensuring our incredible transgender ladies, who don’t feel like they fit in at most networking events, feel comfortable and safe at our events. We don’t believe anyone should feel isolation or unsupported or just that they are unable to progress their career due to their gender.”
For anyone wishing to attend the LLIB International Women’s Day event or wishing to become a member of LLIB, check out www.leadingladiesinbusiness.co.uk
Further Information
Having a degree in psychotherapy, Clare Bowers’ academic background supports her in understanding of the wellbeing needs of women in business. LLIB offers the holistic wrap around support needed by many women in business who are juggling family life, a business, often a part-time paid role (as their business grows) and many other responsibilities besides.
Carolyn Whitehead’s teaching background allows her to provide a structured approach to events and to pitch and deliver informative sessions in an easily accessible format suitable for all learners. Following a ‘plan, do, assess’ review model allows business owners an insight into their business and supports them in moving that business forward effectively. Both Clare and Carolyn have three children each and know only too well how much plate spinning is required to run a family and a business. They understand the importance of prior preparation, organisation and sticking to schedules… although these skills could have been influenced by both of their military backgrounds too.
