Britain's 100 Most Entrepreneurial Women

Inspiration, thy name is woman

Whatever the economic context, you can never have too much inspiration – and in these tougher times, it is more welcome and more valuable than ever. Never are passion, tenacity, determination and smart, brave decision-taking more crucial than when the challenges are as great as the opportunities.

Entrepreneurship is not simply about risk taking, it’s about risk management. It’s about striking the balance between optimism and realism; confidence and caution; pushing forward and cutting back. When we look at successful business people, we’re too often left asking the question: “Where are the women?” Well, here they are!

Or, rather, here are 100 of the most exciting, inspirational and creative women operating in the UK today, across a number of sectors and disciplines. What they have in common is their passion for developing successful ideas and businesses. Bank of Scotland Corporate’s Women in Business programme is delighted to partner with Real Business in profiling and celebrating these women who bust the myths that women don’t want to run big businesses, or that mothers lose interest in business, or that women only run lifestyle businesses in restricted sectors.

As we move into a new mode of operating across so many areas of business activity, we see huge potential for women to do things their way and to support, mentor and encourage other women to succeed. This index of women makes up a community of influencers who will be instrumental in helping the UK economy through the recession. As Glenys Berd of Lovethoseshoes.com puts it : “There’s a world of opportunity ahead of us entrepreneurs. The focus of big corporates is shifting – we can fill gaps and corner niche markets.”

Clare Logie
Director of Women in Business, Bank of Scotland Corporate