We’ve some extraordinary, and inspiring, women in business in the Cotswolds. We talk to 5 female trailblazers in local industry who offer the business advice they’ve lived by
Helen Tweddle, Director at Malt House Emporium Ltd
Tewkesbury Retail Park, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, GL20 8UY
Telephone: 01684 423150
Email: info@malthouseemporium.com
Award-winning Malt House Emporium is a large retail store specialising in all things Interiors & Antiques. Started in 2014, we embrace mixing the old with the new, as most homes invariably do, and strive to offer a wonderful range of furniture, home décor and collectibles.
Who or what inspires you?
The Bold. Bold style, Bold people and Bold decisions. Being courageous with any choice in life, from home décor through to your lifestyle choices. People surprise me with how very bold they can be, and that is inspirational.
What is the best advice you've been given?
"Fortune favours the brave". This was said to me very early on in my banking career in London with the caveat that being brave doesn't mean being reckless. With good due diligence you can make clever and brave choices that will lead to more, or larger, rewards.
What does the future have in store for you?
A second store! We are planning an exciting (and much awaited) return this autumn to our founding town and the wonderful community of Stroud; whilst at our ever popular Tewkesbury Store, with its vibrant and buzzing Tea Room, my team will continue to grow, inspire and innovate.
Emma Godson, Co-Director, ProPodiatry
The Basement, 4 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB
Telephone: 01242 317094
Emma Godson is a Co-Director of ProPodiatry Limited along with Lorraine Monck. A forward thinking podiatry practice that has clinics in both Cheltenham and Tewkesbury providing patients with the latest innovative treatments for problematic feet. Whether it's painful feet, stubborn verrucae or unsightly nails, ProPodiatry can help you.
Who or what inspires you?
Our patients are a great source of inspiration. Being able to help someone either through resolving their foot pain, or by increasing their self esteem by making their feet appear more presentable can be the most inspiring experience. That patient smile and gratitude is absolutely priceless and keeps us going.
What is the best advice you've been given?
To never expect success to be handed to you on a plate. You cannot expect other people to get you where you want to be. If you have a dream, nobody will have the same incentive as you to work hard and make a success out of it than you.
What does the future have in store for you?
With the increase incidence of diabetes, the growth of the older generation, and a better public understanding of what podiatrists do, we will be kept very busy. Treating verrucas, fungal nails, chiropody treatments along with nail surgery and reconstruction are just some examples of what we can do to help.
Rebecca Mackenzie Hill, Founder of One Trusted Family
57 Dyer Street, Cirencester
Telephone: 01285 407121
Email: rebeccamh@onetrusted.family
One Trusted Family offers a radically different approach to home care for the elderly by cutting out the inefficient and costly agency in the middle. We effectively 'introduce' self-employed carers (all rigorously vetted, trained and insured) to those needing care and pay carers better and charge clients less. Win win!
Who or what inspires you?
Our unique carers of course! Their endless supply of heartfelt smiles, enthusiasm, patience and the friendship they offer each client is incredible, even more so because they often don't see it as 'work'. I do believe that people are born natural carers - a truly caring nature is hard to teach.
What is the best advice you've been given?
Love what you do! "And if you haven't found it yet, keep looking, don't settle. And as with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you've found it" (Steve Jobs). This quote is so true and it is at the heart of who we are at One Trusted Family.
What does the future have in store for you?
Short term, I am building micro teams of local carers to cover every town and village within the environs of Cirencester so families don't have to rely on word of mouth to find an excellent carer. However longer term I am passionate about showcasing what a noble profession care is.
Sally Haines & Emma Taylor, Directors of Hillers Farm Shop
A H Hiller & Son Ltd, Dunnington Heath Farm, Dunnington, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5PD
Telephone: 01789 772771
Email: info@hillers.co.uk
Award-winning Hillers Farm Shop is run by fourth generation sisters Sally and Emma who are at the forefront of this busy, flourishing site that has a fantastic restaurant, garden centre and gift shop. The Farm Shop, which celebrates its centenary next year, has an array of fantastic homemade products and many other items that are carefully selected from specialist suppliers, with local producers being the priority.
Who or what inspires you?
We are fourth generation and have been inspired by our parents to not only do well but to achieve as much as they did and balance a lovely family life with working hard to keep the business thriving for another 100 years!
What is the best advice you've been given?
We would both agree to treat people as you would want to be treated yourself; this advice has been passed on by a number of individuals that we respect and look up to. To keep a positive attitude to life and daily duties and always remember to twist the bottle not the cork whilst opening champagne - it really does work!
What does the future have in store?
To continue to develop the business in order to give our children the fantastic upbringing that we enjoyed - farm life, business understanding and lots of fun and of course to maintain a stable business for our family, staff and customers to enjoy.
Suzanne Hall-Gibbins & Angela Edwards, Founders & Directors of Circle2Success Ltd
2 Station Mews, Old Station Drive, Cheltenham, GL53 0DL
Telephone: 03300 536186
Circle2success is a connected business community delivering value through strategic support in a range of areas. These include marketing and PR, developing connections and building long-term relationships, providing learning and development opportunities, as well as celebrating success. C2S focuses on people, skills, organisational improvement, knowledge sharing, best practice and accelerated growth.
Who or what inspires you?
Every day we see and hear amazing stories from our members, they inspire us to get out of bed every day! We work with a number of charities that keep us real with our feet on the ground reminding us of the adversities people overcome every day, this is inspirational!
What is the best advice you've been given?
The best advice we have had was from the Chairman of a large corporate, he told us 'you never really make mistakes you either win or you learn'. We have always challenged ourselves and we aren't afraid of making mistakes as we look to develop and grow our business.
What does the future have in store?
We are excited about developing a national network and expanding our offer so that we can work and connect great businesses together across the UK. Whilst it's not quite world domination we do see ourselves operating right across the UK and then why not go international!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here