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North East Foundation for Women in Enterprise launched to support female entrepreneurs

A group of successful North-East businesswomen have formed a new organisation to help fledgling female entrepreneurs achieve their business goals.

The North-East Foundation for Women In Enterprise is a new support group set up by five leading lights in the regional business world: accountant Ann Stonehouse, Brenda Davidson, managing partner of Hewitts Solicitors, Julie Donaldson of Outspoken Voiceover, Janice Auton, who runs award-winning Poppys Hairdressing salons and Xivvi design agency owner Pamela Hargreaves.

As well as giving female business professionals useful networking opportunities, the Foundation aims to raise money to help women develop their businesses.

Ann, one of only eight people to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion last year, said: “Although grants are available for new start-ups and growing businesses, the application process is usually complex and time consuming.

“If a business needs a small amount, perhaps to purchase an item of equipment or buy in a service, the Foundation may be able to help by providing speedy access to modest grants.”

To get the ball rolling the Foundation has organised a special ladies-only networking event, sponsored by Hewitts Solicitors, to be held at Wynyard Hall on March 4.

The ‘High Tea With Hewitts’ event includes a champagne reception, afternoon tea, boutique stalls and a unique opportunity to meet like-minded businesswomen.

Following afternoon tea, the 150 guests will be entertained by Angela Davies and Dionne Wightman, two former Teesside University graduates who set up their own business using the skills they acquired as crime scenes investigators for Northumbria Police to educate young people, students and companies.

Ms Davidson, who is also a litigation specialist, said Hewitts was delighted to be the major sponsor of the inaugural event.

“Hewitts’ business motto is ‘stronger together’,” she said. “That’s a maxim which could equally apply to the North-East Foundation for Women in Enterprise.

“Our region has a vibrant women-in-business community and we are glad to be supporting such an exciting initiative.”

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