The decline of women in business

A lot of people contact me for business advice and I always endeavour to help. I think that it is so important in today's society to promote women in business and to encourage a more entrepreneurial stance. It is very shocking that in the past 3 years, the number of women launching their own empire has not grown even 0.1%. Why? For a number of factors but namely: the high costs involved, the negative connotations attached to being a female entrepreneur, the difficulties in juggling the work/life balance, raising the finance, getting the publicity, lacking confidence and more. I have vowed this year to try and make a difference. So far I have done the following:

1. Become an Ambassador for UK Female Entrepreneurship - a fabulous charity that aims to inspire more women into enterprise. Have a look at their website - it is pretty in depth and certainly looks promising. There are only 50 Ambassadors in the coutry (you have to be asked) and there is a lot to do - including present/assist with 6 events a year. If you are a woman who is looking to set up her own business, get in touch!

2. Been nominated for Britain's Top Real Role Model - I am really chuffed with this as it would certainly help my profile to say the least! I think this idea is a fabulous one - enough of the Essex Girls/Big Brother/Britain's Next Top Model - let's bring about some real role models instead - those that are still working incredibly hard to build their name/brand. It's not all about celebrity status and copying who's wearing what!

3. Being seen in the Mail on Sunday and FMWF for my entrepreneurial flair - again, I was so thrilled to be featured in the newspaper and it certainly helps get BoBelle's name out there. I hope that my features really help inspire others to believe in themselves.

4. Being asked to speak at the Start Up Britain Marketing Conference - I'll keep you posted on how this goes....I hope well!! Fortunately I have done quite a few presentations now, but you still always have those nerves....if you would like to attend, it is free, visit the link above and register your details. There's no time like the present to kick start your action plan.

5. Finding more groups/individuals via Twitter/Facebook - in doing so I came across Inspirational Woman Magazine, and they have featured me (very pleased!) - click on the links to read more.

I will keep you updated on how things go - if you have any questions or comments, please do feel free to post! The recession has brought about a lot of sadness, uncertainty and difficulties; let's try to get back on track and encourage more independece, growth and entrepreneurial activity. Remember, support your local shops and labels as without them, we cannot develop as a nation.

Have a great week!

Best wishes,

Claire

BoBelle London Christmas and New Year update

Wishing all of our valued customers a wonderful New Year! We hope that 2011 brings you everything you wish for.

2010 has certainly been an intersting year; massive growth for BoBelle London including winning the Marie Claire Inspire and Mentor programme, being Red magazine's Top 20 Red Hot Women under 30, winning Management Today's Top 35 businesswomen under 35, launching new styles, gaining new stockists, sourcing a new logistics firm and more. We have achieved a massive amount and 2011 looks no different. We have our first international trade show, The Box at Pret a Porter, in Paris (22nd-26th January). I am super excited and trying desperately to get everything organised for our wonderful stand. After that we then have the largest London fashion trade show, Pure London.

People have asked me so many times about growing a business; what is 'success' down to? Is it the drive and ambition? Is it the product and service? Is it maintaining a strong cash flow? More...? Really, it is a mixture of all of the above. Today I heard on Radio 4 a lady who set up an entrepreneurs network. According to the interviewer, there has been a flurry of entrepreneurs in the UK, particularly in the rural countrysides. This may be true, but being an entrepreneur is more than just setting up a business. That is the easy part. Entrepreneurs do much more than that; they see it through; they passionately put their all into growing their baby for however long it takes. They take risks. They invest. They fall; they tumble; they pick themselves up.

Some of my most notable entreprenurs who offer me courage and perseverence when things are tough include Anya Hindmarch, Natalie Massenet, Sarah Curran, Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, just to name a few. All of them improvise, grow organically and constantly re-brand and grow. Being an entrepreneur is never static and certainly is hard work, but is the most invigorating experience ever.

I hope that you all love watching BoBelle London grow and if you have any feedback or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Here's to a fabulous 2011!

Claire x