News

Sexism is bigger barrier to women in business than recession

Growth in women-led start-ups outperforms national average

‘Women’s Business Centre’ quality standard pilot launched

Budget receives hostile response from business sector

New Equality Bill published

DIUS Review of HE and FE support to entrepreneurs

UK lags behind in global drive for boardroom equality

Government calls on RDAs to prioritise business support

‘Solutions for business’ simplifies Government business support

Female leadership for UK business under threat

Shell LiveWIRE Business Barometer

ISBE Conference 2009 - Call for Papers

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News

Sexism is bigger barrier to women in business than recession
More than one in 5 women plan to grow their business in the next five years in spite of recession, citing gender prejudice as a more significant barrier to their success.  A new nationwide survey by Business Link of 520 women business owners, partners and MDs has shown that 40% of women feel they have had to work harder to prove themselves than a man, with 16% saying it had taken them longer to succeed.  A quarter of respondents to the ‘A Woman’s World’ survey felt that they were expected to adopt typically male characteristics, and were viewed as too emotionally involved.  Issues with gaining the confidence of banks and investors, as well as earning the respect of customers and colleagues, were also cited as key barriers.  Negative attitudes towards female entrepreneurs from other women were also revealed, with 19% concerned about being viewed as ‘alpha-female’ and a further 13% facing problems in gaining the respect of other women.  The report indicates that the impact of sexist attitudes to women in the business sector could significantly delay economic recovery,  as 16% of SMEs are run by women entrepreneurs and are key to the UKs long term growth.  Find out more about the ‘A Woman’s World’ report at http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/apr/19/sexism-work-recession  

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Growth in women-led start-ups outperforms national average
Percentage growth in female-only start-ups increased by 9% to more than 90,000 in 2008 compared to 83,000 in 2007. Male-only start-ups showed a slight increase of less than 1%, to 300,000.  New figures from Barclays showed that the number of new business start-ups remained steady in 2008, rising from 432,300 in 2007 to 436,600, although activity slowed in the second half.  Estimates also indicate that the total number of businesses increased by 1% to just under 2.9 million firms, showing that women entrepreneurs are outperforming both male counterparts and the national average despite the difficult economic circumstances.  The report also shows that start-up activity is highest in health, education and social work areas with an increase of more than 13%, compared to an 8% decline in businesses associated with construction. Find out more at http://www.newsroom.barclays.com/Content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=1524&NewsAreaID=2

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‘Women’s Business Centre’ quality standard pilot launched
15 organisations have been selected to take part in a pilot project to launch the Women’s Business Centre (WBC) Quality Standard, a new international quality standard for women’s business support providers.  Arising from the UK Government Enterprise Strategy – ‘Enterprise: Unlocking the UK’s Talent’ produced in March 2008, the project realises Government’s pledge to work with RDAs to pilot the principles of the successful US WBC model.   BERR has commissioned Prowess to work with an international advisory group to develop this new standard, with support from BSI British Standards, recognised as the UK National Standards body by UK Government.  The pilot is funded by Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and has been oversubscribed, with 32 organisations applying for the 15 bursaries available.  Further opportunities to get involved in this work, and access further bursaries, will be announced later this year.  For more information contact Prowess on 01603 762355 or email wbc@prowess.org.uk

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Social Enterprise News

Support grows for social enterprise accreditation mark
The Social Enterprise Coalition has agreed to support the development of a Fair Trade-style charter mark for the sector to help identify and profile social enterprises.  The mark, created and piloted by Rise, the development organisation for the south-west, has been trialled for 2 years, and plans are underway to roll it out to other UK regions.  A consumer survey by ICM Research with over 1,000 respondents indicates that the majority of people would prefer to buy from companies that put money back into the community, with 86% perceiving benefit from the new mark to help identify legitimate ethical businesses.  Critics maintain that the mark will not be beneficial without bringing tax or financing advantages.  Find out more about the Social Enterprise mark at http://www.socialenterprisemark.co.uk/

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Online support for Social Enterprise start-ups
A section of the Business Link website has been set up to provide advice and information for people thinking of starting a Social Enterprise.  Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/trysocialenterprise to find out more. 

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The rest of this section is restricted to Prowess Members. For details of membership visit:

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Events

This section is restricted to Prowess Members. For details of membership visit:

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For details of events aimed at women entrepreneurs taking place in your area click on the map below, members remember you can add your events to the Prowess online clickable map quickly and easily at no cost:

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