2025’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs unveiled by Small Business Britain

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Small Business Britain has revealed the 2025 line-up of the UK’s 100 most dynamic female entrepreneurs as part of its f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign.

This year’s campaign – which recognises the essential contributions of women-led businesses to the UK economy and society – includes female founders across a wide range of industries, including health, sustainability, tech, food, fashion, and law.

Launched in 2017, the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign showcases the immense and multi-dimensional contributions of women business owners.

It particularly focuses on women who lead purpose-driven businesses while at the same time supporting their local communities via mentoring, volunteering, and collaboration.

Wide range of inspirational female-led businesses

The 2025 list includes a wide range of inspirational business owners. Here are just a few of them:

  • The Dazey Hills Company – Disability-led talent agency and production company, run by Abbie Hills, which specialises in talent management for diverse faces across the UK and Europe. (Hythe, Hampshire). 

  • Mini Healthcare Heroes – Children’s book series and products by Celie Brayson designed to teach first aid and health management, helping kids to contribute to safer communities (Leicestershire). 

  • Sniff and Snails – Founded by Hayley Laidlaw-Wilson, inspires children and parents to get involved with coding and robotics by creating toys, gadgets, and games (Flintshire, Wales). 

  • Paws In Earnest – Founded by Melissa Smith, known for creating safe, innovative toys for dogs, including their flagship product, the Rylo, which prevents suction and choking (Huntingdonshire). 

  • Wildling Drinks – Run by Roisin Meredith, producing and selling Wildling Water Kefir, a probiotic-rich drink, available in shops, cafes, delis, and online across Sussex and nationwide (Shoreham-By-Sea). 

Aim to increase the proportion of female owners from 20% to 30%

The economic impact of female entrepreneurism shouldn’t be understated. In fact, estimates suggest that up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.

Small Business Britain has committed to increasing the proportion of female small business owners from 20% to 30% of all entrepreneurs by 2030.

The organisation – one of the UK’s leading champions of small businesses –  aims to achieve this goal by addressing the barriers to entry women face in business and providing targeted training and support.

What is the leading motivation for female business founders?

Research conducted by Small Business Britain in 2024 (we covered it here) revealed that independence was the leading motivation for 60% of women starting businesses.

However, the research also highlighted the need for greater support, as most (58%) of female entrepreneurs rely on no external financing, with 79% self-funding their startups.

Commenting on the contribution women make to the UK business, Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, said:

The drive and determination of women-led businesses across the UK is nothing short of remarkable. Despite a host of challenges – from access to finance, to appropriate mentors and role models – female entrepreneurs continue to innovate, thrive, and deliver real economic and social impact.

To view the list of 100 women featured in the 2025 f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign, visit f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2025.


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