Derbyshire Life meets some of the top businesswomen from in and around the county and finds out what inspires them to succeed

Great British Life: Heidi TaylorHeidi Taylor

HEIDI TAYLOR Bespoke Inns - Independent Pub Group

What's the best piece of business advice you have been given? Work hard, it never hurt anyone - and it hasn't!

What do you love about your job? I don't know where to start, I love so much about my job. The huge variety, meeting so many nice people and being able to be creative with things that I love.

What keeps you focused? The responsibility of paying everyone's wages and my mortgage!

Do you think women in business have equality with men? The fantastic business women out there are changing the times - rapidly!

11 The Green, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6BP, 01283 703966, www.thedragonatwillington.co.uk

Great British Life: Helen WathallHelen Wathall

HELEN WATHALL G. Wathall & Son Ltd - Funeral Directors

What's the best piece of business advice you have been given? As someone who isn't known for being quiet, the best piece of advice I have been given was 'give your decisions, not your reasons'. This is helpful in so many ways both professionally and personally!

What do you love about your job? I love helping the families that come to us following the death of a loved one. They often come in upset, confused, perhaps scared and lost, and when they leave they are comforted with the knowledge that their wishes will be followed, they have a defined list of what to do next and are a lot calmer.

Do you think women in business have equality with men? When I first started 30 years ago, there were very few women in our profession. This is no longer the case. I believe people in any form of business should be valued for their skills rather than their gender.

101-111 Macklin Street, Derby DE1 1LG, 01332 345268; 5 Union Street, Ashbourne, DE6 1FG, 01335 300205 www.wathall.co.uk

Great British Life: Layla BabadiLayla Babadi

LAYLA BABADI Moody & Woolley Solicitors

What's your best piece of business advice? Don't fix the present, create the future.

What do you love about your job? As a family solicitor I love that I help my clients to recover from life-changing events and rebuild their lives with a renewed self confidence.

How do you unwind? I leave my work at work. Home is my escape and retreat.

What keeps you focused? My motivation and passion for my job is the energy that drives me to accomplish my goals.

Do you think women in business have equality with men? Yes. Equality is not a concept, it is a necessity. No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men. 40 Saint Mary's Gate, Derby DE1 3JZ, 01332 344221, www.moodyandwoolley.co.uk

Great British Life: Alison HardingAlison Harding

ALISON HARDING Richmond Village - Luxury Private Retirement Villages and Care Homes

What's the best piece of business advice you have been given? I was once told by a friend: Never to expect your employees to do anything that you wouldn't do yourself. I have stuck with this and so far it works!

What do you love about your job? I love meeting new people, finding out about them, and matching their needs to our product. It's a huge decision to make when deciding on Care Homes/Retirement choices for yourself or loved ones, and I relish being able to help people make those informed choices which result in piece for mind for all involved.

If you could go back and tell your 13 year-old self something, what would it be? Having a 13 year old daughter helps with this question. I tell her all the time to enjoy herself, go out with friends, be care free and laugh as much as possible because it's amazing how quickly responsibility changes all that!

How do you unwind? In many ways - I love riding my horse Captain, having a game of tennis with friends and relaxing with my daughters at the weekend.

Richmond Village Marketing Suite, Willow Park Way, Aston on Trent, DE72 2DF 01332 895685, www.richmond-villages.com/aston

Great British Life: Sally BourneSally Bourne

SALLY BOURNE Savills - Residential Property Sales

What's your best piece of business advice? To listen.

What do you love about your job? Matching the right house to the right buyer, then negotiating the offer to a successful sale and ensuring it goes through as smoothly as possible for all concerned.

What keeps you focused? My partner and son and immediate work colleagues who are a great support.

9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1QQ, 01159 348000, www.savills.co.uk

Great British Life: Sue GregorySue Gregory

What's your best piece of business advice? Your most valuable resource is the people around you, treat them with respect. 'Thank you' goes a long way.

What do you love about your job? The daily challenges that running a business entails, the routine and the unexpected add up to an eclectic mix which means my job is varied and challenging. It is very satisfying when a client expresses their delight at a job we have carried out for them.

How do you unwind? Walking in Derbyshire, reading, going to the theatre, good food, good wine and good company!

What keeps you focussed? The fact that people are reliant on us for their living and wanting to do the best job we can for our clients.

If you could change one thing what would it be? Only one! More hours in the day/longer weekends!

A J Floorcraft & Coatings, 146 Burton Road, Derby DE1 1TN, 01332 200550, www.ajfloorcraft.co.uk

Great British Life: Anne Morris - Anne Morris Fashion BoutiqueAnne Morris - Anne Morris Fashion Boutique (Image: Archant)

ANNE MORRIS Anne Morris - Fashion Boutique

What’s your best piece of business advice? Keep focused, take the best business advice you can afford whether it be for marketing or other. Constantly be aware of changes that may affect your business and never become complacent but treat each day as a new challenge.

What do you love about your job? A genuine love for interaction with people and the challenge of searching for clothing and accessories which are different, will excite my customers and give them confidence and feel good factor.

How do you unwind? Watching Bridgett Jones Diary ,curled up with my 3 Jack Russells in front of a roaring fire and a large glass of wine!

6-8 Getliffe’s Yard, Leek ST13 6HU 01538 373330

Great British Life: Pippa Redfern - A W Lymm Fanily Funeral Director and UndertakerPippa Redfern - A W Lymm Fanily Funeral Director and Undertaker (Image: Archant)

PIPPA REDFERN A W Lymm Family - Funeral Director & Undertaker in Nottingham, Mansfield & Derby

What’s your best piece of business advice? Do what you promise, but do not promise what you cannot do.

What do you love about your job? Being there to help and support families when they need it most as well as making sure that the decease’s final journey is dignified.

How do you unwind? I love going to the cinema, spending quality time with my grandson and going on holiday.

Becket Street, Derby DE1 1HT 01332 348800 www.lymn.co.uk

Great British Life: Brenda Cresswell - Bare NecessitiesBrenda Cresswell - Bare Necessities (Image: Archant)

BRENDA CRESSWELL Bare Necessities - Lingerie & Swimwear Retailer

What’s your best piece of business advice? Stay focused on your business and look after your staff and customers.

What do you love about your job? Working with beautiful garments and seeing the difference they can make to a ladies life when fitted correctly.

How do you unwind? Swimming, walking, wine and being with those I love and care for.

5 Market Place, Melbourne, Derbyshire, DE73 8DS 01332 865554 www.barenecessities.co.uk

Great British Life: Betty Brace - Bebra DesignsBetty Brace - Bebra Designs (Image: Archant)

BETTY BRACE Bebra Designs Bridalwear - Retailer, Designer & Dressmaker of Bridalwear and Special Occasionwear

What’s the best piece of business advice? The best pieces of advice I was given over 30 years ago when I first started were: Give the best customer service possible as people will remember you for it and recommend you to their friends; Value your talent and price appropriately; And don’t forget to Plan - failure to plan is planning to fail.

What do you love about your job? Creating something different all the time whether it be a wedding dress or an outfit for a mother or guest. I really enjoy using the persons own ideas and incorporating them into the design to create a truly exclusive garment.

165 Fairfield Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 7ED 01298 7205 www.bebradesigns.co.uk

Great British Life: Sue Buck - The Calder GroupSue Buck - The Calder Group (Image: Archant)

SUE BUCK The Calder Group - Succession and Estate Planning Services using Wills and Trust & A50 Driving School - Personal driving instruction for learners

What’s your best piece of business advice? Always be passionate about your work, it always shows through!

What do you love about your job? I enjoy helping my clients to solve their problems.

How do you unwind? Chilling with my family and walking the dogs in the Peak District.

Hilton, Derbyshire 01283 733964

Great British Life: Linda Humphreys - Cedar Door LtdLinda Humphreys - Cedar Door Ltd (Image: Archant)

LINDA HUMPHREYS Cedar Door Ltd - Manufacturer of Timber Garage Doors

What’s your best piece of business advice? Always strive to achieve your goals, be competitive but fair to maintain a future lucrative business.

What do you love about your job? Looking back on how far the business has developed in the last 30 years since Cedar Doors was launched.

How do you unwind? I love being outdoors either walking my dog Mitch, gardening, or chilling with a g&t and a good book.

Wimsey Way, Somercotes, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4LS 01773 529269 www.cedardoor.co.uk

Great British Life: Kay Ward - Kay Ward InteriorsKay Ward - Kay Ward Interiors (Image: Archant)

KAY WARD Kay Ward Interiors - Interior Decor & Design Advice

What’s your best piece of business advice? Identify your ‘ideal customers’ and enjoy working with them, and learn its ok to say no at times if a job or project is not right for you.

What do you love about your job? Every day is different, I love the variety and interaction with customers both domestic and commercial and I love the happy daily banter within our team.

How do you unwind? A vodka & slim line tonic with my husband and friends!

2 Kings Mills, Weston on Trent, Derbyshire, DE72 2BQ 01332 702870 www.kay-ward-interiors.co.uk

Great British Life: Carole Williams - Mainline GroupCarole Williams - Mainline Group (Image: Archant)

CAROLE WILLIAMS Mainline Group - Tool & Plant Hire, Training and Sustainable Energy Solutions

What’s your best piece of business advice Say what you mean and mean what you say - always be honest and transparent with people.

What do you love about your job? I love being part of a team that pride themselves on customer service and always go the extra mile to be the best.

How do you unwind? I enjoy music - I constantly download new tracks to listen to in the car or at the gym but most of all I love to share a laugh with my friends. Sometimes life is far too serious!

George Holmes Way, Hearthcote Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9DF 01283 222112 www.mainlinegroup.com

Great British Life: Libby Lloyd-Jones - Mrs Stone StoreLibby Lloyd-Jones - Mrs Stone Store (Image: Archant)

LIBBY LLOYD-JONES Mrs Stone Store - Online retailer of Brazilian slate and Natural stone tiling and flooring

What’s your best piece of business advice? Never regret anything, mistakes teach you something and give you the drive to push forward and change.

What do you love about your job? Being able to help someone create their dream room in their house and see their vision come to life.

How do you unwind? Music. No matter what my mood I find it very therapeutic and a great way to relax.

Unit 19H, Hilton Business Park, Eggington Road, The Mease, Hilton, Derbyshire, DE65 5FJ

01283 730388 www.mrs-stone-store.com

Great British Life: Jenny Newton - Natural Stone Stores LtdJenny Newton - Natural Stone Stores Ltd (Image: Archant)

JENNY NEWTON Natural Stone Sales Ltd

What’s your best piece of business advice? Nothing is impossible, and always stay positive.

What do you love about your job? The variety from day to day. I enjoy dealing with all the different types of customers from builders to Mr & Mrs Smith to kitchen designers and architects. I have a interest in geology and all types of stones.

How do you unwind? I like to unwind with chocolate, red wine and a good film. But I do enjoy a good night out with friends.

Old Station Yard, Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2EJ 01629 735507 www.naturalstonesalesltd.co.uk

Great British Life: Gemma Murden - Professional Financial CentreGemma Murden - Professional Financial Centre (Image: Archant)

GEMMA MURDEN Professional Financial Centre

What’s the best piece of business advice you have been given? Always put your clients at the heart of what you do, and everything else will follow suit.

What do you love about your job? Being able to help people to achieve their personal goals by ensuring they have sound finances behind them.

Wesley House, St Michaels Lane, Derby, DE1 3DW 01332 341406 www.pfceastmidlands.co.uk

Great British Life: Alison Mansfield - Radleigh HomesAlison Mansfield - Radleigh Homes (Image: Archant)

ALISON MANSFIELD Radleigh Homes - Builders of stylish, traditional and contemporary homes

What’s your best piece of business advice? Perfection is not achievable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.

What do you love about your job? That we create beautiful homes for people just starting out, families and professionals.

How do you unwind? Catching up with friends and family, walking in the countryside, the more rugged the better.

Riverside Court, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JN 01332 346354 www.radleighhomes.com

Great British Life: Jade Devall - Design @ 44 & Jade Devall DesignJade Devall - Design @ 44 & Jade Devall Design (Image: Archant)

JADE DEVALL Design @ 44 & Jade Devall Design - Design led gifts and interiors

What’s your best piece of business advice? I would say my best piece of business advice would be to never give up on your dreams and be focused on working hard for it. I still have many aspirations with both companies and strive daily to develop and grow within the design and retail world.

What do you love about your job? I absolutely love working for myself and being able to manage two businesses definitely challenges me with workload and planning. I love designing new collections and designs, which transform into new products.

How do you unwind? I unwind by going to the gym, going out with friends or visiting shows and events around the UK.

26/27 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NL www.designat44.co.uk

Great British Life: Vicky Hendry - Face Up For BeautyVicky Hendry - Face Up For Beauty (Image: Archant)

VICKI HENDRY Face Up For Beauty - Professional Beauty Salon

What’s your best piece of business advice? Never be complacent, never cut corners and there’s no such thing as too much education.

What do you love about your job? The variety, no two days are the same. The science, its mind blowing. The skin care and anti ageing industry is unrecognisable from 10 years ago.

How do you unwind? Gym training session, takes your mind off everything except breathing.

48 Babington Lane, Derby DE1 1SX 01332 368195 www.faceupforbeauty.com

Great British Life: Kate Foster - Fisher German LLPKate Foster - Fisher German LLP (Image: Archant)

KATE FOSTER Fisher German LLP - Rural Property Consultants

What’s your best piece of business advice? Be kind and respectful to the people you work with.

What do you love about your job? I am a Partner in our Property Agency Sector - I absolutely love both people and houses so couldn’t be in a better job for me.

How do you unwind? Spending time with my husband, either going for a walk or out for a meal.

80 Tamworth Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2BY 01530 412821 www.fishergerman.co.uk

Great British Life: Victoria Taylor - Poppyfield InteriorsVictoria Taylor - Poppyfield Interiors (Image: Archant)

VICTORIA TAYLOR Poppyfield Interiors - Bespoke Curtains, Blinds & Soft Furnishings

What’s best piece of business advice you have been given? I always remember a very good client of mine advising me to never change, his words were. “Don’t change what you do, your personalised, attention to detail and love of what you do shows in all of your work.”

What do you love about your job? I am very lucky to be able to do a job I love everyday. I have had a love of sewing from the age of 3, as my mum worked from home as seamstress. My job combines my passion for sewing and being creative with working with different people everyday.

How do you unwind? I love a spending time with my family, I have three beautiful children. We are a close family and like to do lots activities together, our favourite is family film night, where we snuggle up on the sofa and watch a family film. I also go to dance classes twice a week, my bit of me time!

2 Grosvenor Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3JF 01773 570040 www.poppyfieldinteriors.co.uk

Great British Life: Allison Warner - Idenitity the Jewellers and Watch ShopAllison Warner - Idenitity the Jewellers and Watch Shop (Image: Archant)

ALISON WARNER Identity the Jewellers and Watch Shop

What’s your best piece of business advice? Be prepared to work hard. Do your research, do your homework and if you believe that there is a demand out there go for it. If you don’t try you will never know. Be positive.

What do you love about your job? Variety and people, making customers happy and feel wanted. Also working on our latest project of ANCHOR & CREW, which recently won UK Mens Jewellery Collection of 2014 by our industry’s Professional Jeweller magazine.

How do you unwind? I enjoy walking and hiking. Whatever the weather come rain or shine. Wearing the right gear it’s perfect.

106 & 102 Level One, North Mall, Intu Centre, Derby DE1 2PG 01332 210269 www.identityonline.biz

Great British Life: Kelly Barker - Just Living Interior DesignKelly Barker - Just Living Interior Design (Image: Archant)

KELLY BARKER Just Living Interior Design

What’s your best piece of business advice? Believe in yourself and your brand, set goals, maintain high standards, stay passionate, never stop learning and most importantly, listen to your customer.

What do you love about your job? I feel totally blessed that my career is my hobby and love nothing more than creating stunning environments for my clients to enjoy. It’s an incredibly rewarding job as well as sociable and most of all - varied! One day I can be beavering away in my studio surrounded by floor plans and samples and the next I’ll be on a building site with my steel toe caps, helmet and high vis jacket on - I love it all!

How do you unwind? I’m at my most relaxed when surrounded by my family and friends. I’m also a sucker for a cosy night in with lots of candles and a good book.

07833 386069 www.justlivinginteriors.co.uk

Great British Life: Emma Ruff - Betty's Farm ShopEmma Ruff - Betty's Farm Shop (Image: Archant)

EMMA RUFF Betty’s Farm Shop

What’s your best piece of business advice? Gut instinct is rarely wrong.

What do you love about your job? Being able to provide a service for our community in an environment I love.

How do you unwind? Walking the farm for pleasure with the boys and dogs taking in the seasons and looking at what we have achieved.

Castle Way, Willington, Derbyshire, DE65 6BW 01283 703 582 www.bettysfarmshop.co.uk

Great British Life: Diane Chell - Scarecrow Farm ShopDiane Chell - Scarecrow Farm Shop (Image: Archant)

DIANE CHELL Scarecrows Gift Shop

What’s your best piece of business advice? Only buy things for your shop that you really like yourself, it’s what makes your shop unique and different to others.

What do you love about your job? I love the freedoms to explore ideas and follow my heart without having to justify my decisions to anyone. After 20 years of teaching and all that that entails, it’s very liberating not to be managed, inspected or assessed by someone else.

27 Victoria Road, Draycott, Derbyshire, DE72 3PS 07825726880 www.scarecrowsgiftshop.com

CLAIRE TWELLS Smith Partnership Solicitors

Great British Life: Calire Twells - Smith Partnership SolicitorsCalire Twells - Smith Partnership Solicitors (Image: Archant)

What’s the best piece of business advice you have been given? I read the book “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg and she gives great advice through out that book, it is real advice from a real woman who has been through life’s up’s and downs. She talks of her successes and her failures and that women should not beat themselves up over things. This book has inspired me to be the best that I can be.

What do you love about your job? The people that I work with. The family feeling at Smith Partnership is palpable, I work with amazing people and they inspire me. I have made great friends at Smith Partnership and I get to laugh every day, I am very lucky to work in such a great atmosphere with such great people.

How do you unwind? The simple things - walking my dog Archie and enjoying good food, good wine and good company!

Celtic House Heritage Gate, Friary Street, Derby DE1 1LS 01332 225225 www.smithpartnership.co.uk

PAULINE GILL Zing Furniture - Furniture & home accessories of a unique & traditional nature

Great British Life: Pauline Gill - Zing FurniturePauline Gill - Zing Furniture (Image: Archant)

What’s your best piece of business advice? Keep focused and don’t get sidetracked.

What do you love about your job? Everthing,especially my new site at Mercia Marina.

How do you unwind? Nice food and red wine.

Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6DW 01332 792043 www.zingfurniture.co.uk

HELEN DIMMICK Green & Benz Contemporary Jewellery

Great British Life: Helen Dimmick - Green & BenzHelen Dimmick - Green & Benz (Image: Archant)

hat’s your best piece of business advice? Be the very best in your chosen field, whatever that is.

What do you love about your job? We have an important role in celebrating special occasion’s in people’s lives - I love people, I love jewellery and I love putting the two together. I especially love educating customers on the meaning of jewellery, the properties of a diamond and making every purchase significant.

How do you unwind? I don’t!!

6 Glumangate, Chesterfield S40 1TP 01246 222700 www.greenandbenz.com

SUE BULLOCK Eden Clothing

Great British Life: Sue Bullock - Eden ClothingSue Bullock - Eden Clothing (Image: Archant)

How do you unwind? When I’m not at work I unwind with my family and close friends.

What’s your guilty pleasure? It has got to be clothes!! I have wardrobes full.

What keeps you focused? The desire and the will to succeed in business and to make sure that my clients always look fabulous!

If you could change one thing, it would be.. To expand and franchise my business model.

70b-70c Nottingham Road, Eastwood, NG16 3NQ 01773 718899 www.eden-clothing.co.uk