Two Liverpool mums who set up a female-focused networking group which has since expanded beyond Merseyside have shared their best pieces of advice for women hoping to start or grow their own business.
Carolyn Whitehead and Clare Bowers set up Leading Ladies in Business after being introduced by The Women's Organisation.
They now head a community of more than 12,000 women that has expanded to the likes of Manchester, Leeds and Cheshire.
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Carolyn said Liverpool is an "incredibly entrepreneurial city and support space". She added: "Everyone's got a Scouse nan or a working mum or families where the door has always been open. It's really unique to Liverpool."
Clare agreed that Scouse women's hunger for success is "a generational thing". She added: "We just give, give, give and we don't expect anything. Our motto is that you don't reap and sow in the same season and I think that's our city all over. We support the woman behind the business with her confidence and self belief and we encourage her to push whatever business it is."
Clare and Carolyn shared their golden rule to starting or growing a business
You are who you surround yourself with
Clare said: "The environment has got to be supportive and you've got to have people who listen around you and encourage you. People who don't shoot you down and say 'tell me more about that'."
Carolyn said those people may not even be family or friends. She added: "You need people who get it and understand the journey you're on - the difficulties, the rollercoaster, the doubts."
Don't be afraid to bet on yourself
Carolyn said: "It's a massive leap of faith, but surround yourself with good people who are there to support you and champion you on your journey."
Ask for help
Carolyn said sometimes you can't be a 'superwoman': "Sometimes we want to do it all and be everything to everyone.
"We laugh at our meetings when we talk about the 'seven degrees of separation' - in Liverpool there's probably about two. Everyone knows everyone. If you're looking for someone to move your business forward, just ask. In a room of 50 people, you'll find someone who can help you."
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