South West sisters are doing it for themselves

Westcountry boasts 41% more female entrepreneurs, says report

Women living in the South West are 41% more likely to be entrepreneurs than the rest of the UK, according to new research published this week by Cornwall Enterprise's business intelligence service, Enterprise Edge.

The finding is revealed in one of 29 free Market Sector Overview reports, produced by Enterprise Edge for Business Link Devon & Cornwall, and is drawn from the most recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor figures.

"We've felt for some time that the Westcountry is the place for talented and successful businesswomen," says Cornwall Enterprise Brand Manager Carole Theobald, "And it's great to have that officially confirmed by these new figures."

Enterprise Edge Manager Andy Phillips explains:  "The 41% figure is the difference in Total Entrepreneurial Activity - the proportion of women who are either running a business started within the last 42 months, or in the process of setting one up.

"The Women in Business Report is just one of 29 Market Sector Overviews we have completed on behalf of Business Link Devon and Cornwall.  Each overview includes the latest figures on market size and value, trends and forecasts, and information on further free reports and downloads.  They're a valuable resource for anyone looking into a particular industry or market area - and best of all, they're FREE."

The research also shows that enterprises founded by women are far more likely to make use of emerging technology, and contribute more quickly to an area's economy, than their male-led counterparts.

Carole Theobald concludes:  "Female entrepreneurs have been identified as a key future growth driver for the economy, so this report is a very encouraging sign for our economic development efforts in Cornwall.  And hopefully having so many female success stories locally will inspire still more women to go into business."

"So it's good news all round - not just for local women, but for the economy in the Westcountry as a whole!"

Enterprise Edge is Cornwall Enterprise's business research service, helping companies to spot opportunities and minimize risks through the application of high quality, low-cost business intelligence.

FREE copies of the Women in Business report - or any of 28 other market sector overviews - are available direct from Enterprise Edge on 0800 052 3942, or for download from Business Link Devon and Cornwall on www.blinkdandc.com. 

A cross-section of successful Westcountry businesswomen give their reaction to the news that women in the SW are 41% more likely to start their own business.

A former joint CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi in Prague, Rebecca Jay now runs a £300,000-a-year diary company from a converted stable block near Mithian, St. Agnes.

Dodo Pad sells a whole range of quirkily branded merchandise - from diaries and personal organizers to greeting cards and mugs - through stationers, book and gift shops throughout the UK, and, increasingly, America.

"I thought it would be a useful way of keeping my brain-cells going while looking after a young baby," recalls Rebecca.  "I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams that I'd end up running a company turning over £300,000 a year!".

Rebecca believes that the advent of internet technology has given Cornwall the ideal combination of competitive work environment and high quality family life.

She explains:  "Broadband makes it easy to speak to our business partners - not just in the UK, but our designer in Ireland and printers in China - and the quality of work from local suppliers is every bit as good as you'd find in London.  but we have the benefit of the fresh air, being a short walk from the beach, and above all I know my son is growing up in the best place I can think of."

"I'm doing something I love in a place that I love - and I'm not at all surprised that so many other businesswomen clearly think the same way."

Sarah Trethowan founded fast-growing pharmaceutical consultancy TRAC Services with her husband Jonathan having returned to Cornwall after 12 years away.

Working in the highly specialised area of pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, the couple decided to train up their own team from scratch, offering Cornish-based graduates a high-quality career in the science industry and winning business with such major multinational names as GlaxoSmithKline.

The company has recently moved from the Knowledge Spa in Truro to larger premises at Tolvaddon Energy Park, Camborne, and has introduced a new service helping pharmaceutical producers to test the readability of patient information.

"Everywhere you look, Cornwall is choc-full of talented and empowered businesswomen, making a real contribution to the local economy," comments Sarah.  "Work-life balance is ideal here in the Westcountry, so it's no wonder so many local businesswomen are thriving."

Falmouth-based artist and Marine Scientist Dr Joanna Henley uses participation and a variety of artistic techniques to communicate science issues in an accessible way, through her consultancy, SciArt Solutions.

Joanna's creative approach is much in demand from museum and heritage groups, schools, local authorities, the science and technology industries and local community groups - with projects as varied as illustrating children's books, working with sixth formers on 3D marine maps, and conveying models to convey complex scientific concepts.

"Cornwall seems the ideal place for this kind of work," she says.  "It has a wonderful marine environment, a thriving education sector, and a vibrant artistic community.  The atmosphere is supportive and highly creative, and I can see why so many women are inspired to go into business in these surroundings."

Notes for editors:

Cornwall Enterprise is the economic development service for Cornwall County Council and its mission is to achieve sustainable prosperity for Cornwall.  It provides a range of services to support economic growth, co-ordinates and enables partnerships and helped develop the county's economic development strategy.

Enterprise Edge is a service of Cornwall Enterprise, which offers business intelligence, research and advice.  It was originally established to help local businesses grow, and has already given assistance to over 9,000 Cornish firms.  Tailored research packs are available from just £200, and researchers are available to interpret the figures, explain what they mean for the individual company and offer impartial business advice based upon their findings.

For more information, please contact:

Andy Phillips
Enterprise Edge
Tel: 0800 052 3942

Esther Lochrie
Cornwall Enterprise
Tel: 01872 322931

Issued on behalf of Cornwall Enterprise by:
The John Knowles Company; Mariners, Penwerris Lane, Falmouth, Cornwall
Tel: 01326 312451  Fax: 01326 213049 Email mail@jkc.co.uk
Contact:  David McGuire