Over 100 female entrepreneurs, banking representatives, and government officials gathered in Leeds last week for an event focused on breaking down financial barriers for women-led businesses.
Hosted by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and with speakers from Female Founder Finance and the Invest in Women Taskforce, the event celebrated the success of British businesswomen while exploring ways to increase access to finance and international trade opportunities.
UKEF, the government’s export credit agency, provided over £570 million in financing for small businesses last year. However, it is estimated that the UK economy would grow by around a quarter of a trillion pounds if women received more investment opportunities. As a result, UKEF is aiming to increase support for women-led firms as part of its business plan.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, emphasised the government’s commitment to improving access to finance for female entrepreneurs, highlighting UKEF’s new partnership with Female Founder Finance. The collaboration aims to streamline financing referrals, reducing missed opportunities for women owners.
Founder of Female Founder Finance, Roxanne Goodman, called the partnership a “game-changer” for women-led businesses, stressing that better access to trade finance will empower more female entrepreneurs to succeed on the global stage.
The event follows the Chancellor’s endorsement of the Invest in Women Taskforce, part of a wider government initiative to drive economic growth by increasing investment in women-led businesses.
