Two sisters from the North East have been named on a list of hotly-tipped female entrepreneurs from around the UK.
Jenny and Alex McFadden, from South Tyneside, are included on the NatWest 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list for their work with maternity clothing brand Pretty Mama, which sells affordable, well-made maternity clothing. As well as making the overall list, the sisters were included in 10 highly commended entrepreneurs from across the UK which will receive a support package that includes expert business advice and mentorship.
The sisters launched Pretty Mama in 2018 after Alex, who became a mother at 26, despaired at the frumpy maternity wear on offer to her. With degrees from Sunderland and Northumbria universities, their aim is for Pretty Mama to become the leading brand for women and they are seeking partnerships with high street chains.
Read more : Sage revenues reach £1.9m
Earlier this year the company received backing from four of the dragons on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, including North East entrepreneur Sara Davies. Jenny and Alex were also included in The Journal’s 35 under 35 list of young entrepreneurs.
Jenny McFadden, co-founder of Pretty Mama, said: “When we heard about the 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch campaign we instantly loved the fact it celebrated female entrepreneurship in the UK, and we also wanted to share our journey with other female entrepreneurs.”
Also featured on the list is Helen Shinner, boss of apprenticeship assessment firm 1st for EPA, which is based at Marton-in-Cleveland, near Middlesbrough.
The 100 partnership between NatWest and The Telegraph was inspired by the work of the Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, which was led by NatWest Group CEO Alison Rose, a former student at Durham University. The launch of the list coincides with new research commissioned by the Rose Review which shows that whilst female business leaders are cautious about the economic challenges ahead, they remain broadly positive about their own company’s individual prospects.
READ NEXT:
