Women in business need more recognition and support in setting up a business, advises Sarah Martin, Founder of Ladies at 11.
 
Recent figures from the authoritative government survey of 4,500 businesses found only 14% of small and medium sized firms are women led. 21% of start-ups last year involved female founders, with the proportion falling to 13% for small firms employing more than 10 people.
 
The figures highlight the issue for the number of female entrepreneurs looking to grow their business. With a combination of social and economic factors leading to the escalation in female entrepreneurs and the reduction in funding from the Government support agencies, means there is a very clear gap in the marketplace.     

Ladies at E11even was launched in 2009 and has rapidly grown in response to demand filling the gap which is proving essential in providing the support and tools to drive these businesses forward.  
 
“Women need more support and help in setting up their business and need to consider the financial perspectives, implications and time frame to make their concept a success rather than having an idea or product which they love but might not necessarily be a viable business option”.
 
“Women’s business networking groups such as Ladies at 11 are integral in providing support, learning opportunities for women in business and who are thinking about setting up in business and really need more recognition from the powers that be”.
 
Founder of Ladies at E11even, Sarah Lockhart-Martin plans to push the business to the forefront of Women’s networking, what drives her is her own experience of setting up in business, “I wasn’t particularly confident, had no business background, encountered a few situations where people have taken advantage of my lack knowledge and I feel that this is where Ladies at E11even fills a real gap in the marketplace. I want to reach out to people, and let them know we can all be successful; we just need a bit of help along the way”, comments Sarah.