In the Uk, 25% of the companies have one female founder. Women entrepreneurs contribute to our economy, 6.3% of the GVA (Gross Value Added), and their increasing importance, ranking the North East region in 15th place for female entrepreneurs. Project Women spoke to Ellie Rees, a business woman and role model, to empower women and reveal the challenges and advantages of success.
The UK has the highest numbers of entrepreneurs of any other country in Europe.
Many factors contribute to such circumstance; the UK’s innovation-friendly business environment, access to SME (Small and medium-sized enterprises), training programmes for women and a high acceptance of women in business.
Despite these and other initiatives to help women start and grow their business, only 32.37% of UK women choose to become entrepreneurs. Even if Women`s entrepreneurship is a significant economic potential that could help boost job creation – for business owners themselves and others.
However, women are more likely to run small-size businesses based on a one-person company rather than have four and more employees.
This can be related to the fact that women receive less funding than men entrepreneurs, even if they show 20% higher returns with 50% less investment. Yet, bear in mind that female funding is available for women entrepreneurs. You need to know where to look and how to apply; also, most of the applications can be submitted all year round, and don’t forget that a regional growth fund is also available.
Entrepreneurship, in the North East.
According to the British Business Bank’s Startup Loans scheme, North East has emerged as the most entrepreneurial region in the UK for women. In 2019, the number of Startup Loans issued to women in the North East was higher than in any other UK region.
The number of Start-Up Loans issued to women in the North East is proportionally higher than in any other region in the UK, in 2019, in the North East, according to the British Business Bank, was 7.29 compared with 6.63 loans in the North West and 6.35 loans issued in London.
Ellie Rees, Teeside based entrepreneur and collabmedia&womenincollab founder, discusses her journey of being successful and giving advice to the area’s business women.
How did your journey begin?
“The journey to running Collabmedia began in 2013 at The University of Central Lancashire
“My Degree had a lot of social media focus. It was quite a difficult industry for a part-time job. Through, my degree people asked me for tips and advice on branding and managing account. It was a natural progression, and I never wanted to work with anyone else.
“My favourite programme as a kid was Dragon Den, The Apprentice; instead of I always knew I wanted to be a business owner.
“Collabmedia was formed through my love of Teesside and helping local business.”
Did you access any startup funding or programme?
“I didn’t.
“My business was essentially my phone and my laptop, which I had – so it was a low cost. I need an internet connection and a phone. I went into startup businesses funded courses to bring me to the next level. I did one with Teesside University, a six-month leadership management course that was a perfect one to learn about the business role’s insight and develop that side. Then, I attended a few funded courses.”
Did you find it challenging to succeed in the media environment as a young woman?
“Oh, probably the most challenging thing to overcome. It was such a male-dominated industry, especially the digital sector. I turned up networking events with business owners for Collabmedia and people attending fairs on the other side. I think that people overlook me because I was like a formal representative of the company. I didn’t have a suit or a briefcase, and I was coming on my leather jacket and jeans. I was a young woman, but when I started talking about the industry and the views I had, then straight away, they said; you know what you are talking about.
“It’s frustrating that you have to overcome those barriers to proving yourself.
“Other men in the room didn’t have to do that. But, three/four years ago networking events, did not include women, didn’t appeal to women, so that was a barrier that I had to overcome.”
What does it mean for you, being shortlisted for Tees Businesswomen Awards in the Inspiring Others category and Digital Women Award?
Tees Business Women Award Night – Photo courtesy of Collabmedia 
Ellie, Shortlisted Inspiring Others – Photo courtesy of Collabmedia
“It was a massive recognition of the work I put into it, even just be nominated in the women award alongside the category I was in. It was overwhelming, a bit of the shock and a real boost of motivation, and it was fantastic to be alongside.
“The annual Digital Women Awards celebrates women working in and around digital doing the most incredible work in their respective industries. We welcome and celebrate women from our own digital women community and beyond! I was shortlisted for the digital women for the good award.”
What skills women entrepreneurs must have to succeed in the career?
“Confidence! And self-promotion, many women, especially in this area, are reluctant to do self-promotion. Talk about your achievements and highlight the enthusiasm out there! Shout about yourself, use LinkedIn, use your social media to talk about your business achievements; If you are not going to fly your flag by yourself, no one else will.
” You know what is best for yourself and your business, and go with that. I have done it for the last seven years, and it got me so far.”
Alessia Miceli 
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