Leanne Kirkham Linda Andrews

I joined my father in the family business 20 years ago. My main role then was as an embalmer. I supported my father in arranging funerals, as a pallbearer, and ensuring the family and mourners were looked after. Five years later I trained for my NAFD Diploma as a funeral director. To me, this isn’t a job, it is a vocation in life.

What are the challenges of being a successful woman in business?

When I was training I often found that families were expecting someone older, and male, rather than a 30-something woman. And like every mother, I found it challenging juggling work and home when my children were younger. But the flip side is they have grown up learning it takes team work to run a home.Hopefully I have influenced my daughter (and my son!) by my passion for a better work/life balance.

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out today?

To believe in your dreams and just don’t give up. There’s bound to be rough seas, but if you ride the waves you will reach your paradise!

Business: Cheshire Cat Narrowboats Ltd

Office: 01234 567891

Mobile: 07867 790 195

Email: info@cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk

Web: www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk

What does your business offer?

We offer narrowboat holidays, day boat hire, boat handling training days, narrowboat repairs and Boat Safety Scheme examinations.

How did you get started?

I got hooked on canals after a weekend helping a friend deliver a new narrowboat. Before long I was working for a narrowboat timeshare company, then became a lock-keeper for seven years. My partner and I were offered the chance to buy three hire boats, and that was the start of our own hire business. Whilst working as a lock-keeper I had noticed it was almost always the women working the locks and the men steering the boat. Traditionally, it should be the other way around. So I started running training days for women and was soon running several a week.

What are the challenges of being a successful woman in business?

Getting the work/life balance is hard, especially when “work” is something as enjoyable as messing about with boats! Keeping up with the paperwork can be a nightmare – the sun will insist on shining just when the VAT return is due. Being a leisure business, we miss out on family events like birthday parties as the weekends are our busiest days.

What advice would you give someone starting out today?

Take no notice of people who say you can’t do it.

Business: Docket Restaurant Ltd (Docket No.33)

Office: 01948 665553

Email: info@docketrestaurant.com

Web: www.docketrestaurant.com

What does your business offer?

We’re a fine dining restaurant offering a tasting menu inspired by our travels, using local produce where possible.

How did you get started?

I have worked in hospitality for over 20 years now, starting from a very young age and working my way up. After opening multiple restaurants in the UK & Doha for others, in 2017 my husband and I decided to create Docket Restaurant and do it for ourselves.

What are the challenges of being a successful woman in business?

You have to work hard and put in the hours. It’s not always easy when you’re a woman with a family. Managing your time and having the energy for every aspect of your life can be challenging.

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out today?

Take each day at a time and have belief in yourself, even on the tough days.

Business: Clwyd Special Riding Centre Office: 01352 770446

Mobile: 07760 497 395

Email: operationsdirector@ clwydspecialridingcentre.co.uk

Web: www.clwydspecialridingcentre.co.uk

What does your business offer? We are an independent charity providing equine experiences to children and adults with physical and learning disabilities and autism).

How did you get started?

I became a wheelchair user in 2012 after surgery left me paraplegic. Just before the pandemic I had to retire from my career as a Detective Constable, I had physically and mentally exhausted myself. I came to the Centre as a volunteer assisting with admin one day a week. I was terrified I wouldn’t cope but I did, and after several months the position of Operations Director came up. Two days before the closing date I built up courage to apply.

What are the challenges of being a successful woman in business?

In my early career I faced sexual assault, prejudice, misogyny – as a wheelchair user, doubly so. I’m now lucky to be in an environment where we all respect the diverse world in which we live.

What advice would you give someone starting out today? Go with your gut instinct.

Business: Dragon Drilling Office: 01824 707777

Mobile: 07766 148 193

Email: admin@dragondrilling.co.uk Web: www.dragondrilling.co.uk

What does your business offer?

We run an environmental borehole drilling business and an environmental consultancy.

How did you get started?

I was a teacher for many years but decided to help to push our family drilling and environmental businesses forward as the UK worked to reach net-zero requirements. I manage the finance and admin as well as attending trade shows. I got involved in marketing for the ground source heat pump industry and was asked to lead the industry association’s marketing team. I then became the treasurer as well as a director. I was the first female GSHPA council member.

What are the challenges of being a successful woman in business?

I work in what is still considered by many to be a man’s world. I still get asked if there is “anybody technical” in the office. I like to surprise those people with “How can I help?”

What advice would you give someone starting out today? Expect the unexpected!

Business: Ewemoo Office: 07778 102 238

Email: sales@ewemoo.co.uk Web: www.ewemoo.co.uk

What does your business offer?

We make handmade footstools in the shape of animals, and we sell beautiful gifts.

How did you get started?

I started the business back in 2011. I made a decision after having major surgery to do something for myself. I’m an outdoors person, as you can see from the products! So I put pen to paper and my husband and I came up with the Ewemoo design.

What are the challenges of being a successful woman in business?

Every day can be a challenge. There’s no denying women have to build a support network – without a good team around us Ewemoo would not be as successful. There’s no secret to success. You must love what you do, work hard, be kind and be happy!

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out today? Work hard as every day can be a challenge. Go with your dreams and don’t give up.