Female founders share business tips for International Women’s Day 

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we’ve canvassed the expertise of some of our female founder customers to pull together practical, experience-led business advice. Whether you’re an established female entrepreneur or considering taking the plunge to be your own boss, these insights from businesswomen who have built successful SMEs, navigated real-world challenges, and grown in confidence will help you in your journey. 

The gender gap in UK business ownership 

While we can all appreciate the significant advancements in women’s rights over the past 100 or so years (lest we forget that it was just 1928 that women got equal voting rights as men in the UK) the fact remains that as of 2024, just 20% of UK businesses were female led, highlighting a significant gender gap in business ownership. At Capital Space, we are proud to support a growing community of female-owned SMEs across our business centres, and we recognise the unique challenges many women face when entering the world of business. 

These challenges, from access to finance to balancing caring responsibilities, still act as barriers to entry for many would-be female entrepreneurs. Yet, our female-led customers prove that with the right support, environment and mindset, sustainable business success is achievable. That’s why we’ve gathered advice from female founders based at Capital Space business centres, to support and inspire the next generation of women in business. 

Barriers to entry for female business owners 

Research consistently shows that women face structural and cultural barriers when starting and growing a business. For example,  female entrepreneurs are often less likely to access external finance, due to lower investor confidence and narrower professional networks, or are more likely to be driven by necessity entrepreneurship and are underrepresented in high-growth sectors.  

A study conducted by the University of Reading and submitted to the UK Parliament shows that demographic factors such as age, caring responsibilities and access to social capital can significantly influence women’s entrepreneurial activity. The research also highlights that confidence, leadership perception and cultural expectations around gender roles can affect women’s likelihood of starting and scaling a business. 

Importantly, the research emphasises that women often start businesses later in life, once caring responsibilities reduce, and are more likely to build values-led or socially motivated enterprises. This makes access to flexible business accommodation, supportive networks and professional infrastructure, such as virtual offices, meeting rooms and easy-in-easy-out licences, particularly valuable in reducing risk and enabling growth. 

Top tips from female founders 

Across Capital Space business centres, female founders consistently highlight a few key principles that underpin long-term business success. 

• Amanda, founder of Amp Reform Studio 

• From her Pilates studio in Loughton, Amanda emphasises the power of knowledge, authenticity and kindness. She advises business owners to stay true to their values, avoid unhealthy comparison on social media, and continually invest in learning. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: work hard, be nice to people, and let consistency build trust.
    

• Nikki, founder of Botanical Beauty Rooms  

• • Nikki, who is based at Churchill Square Business Centre in Kings Hill runs a long-established SME, and is honest about the resilience required.  

• • She says: “It’s a big commitment. You have to be prepared to put in the hours… your heart has got to be in it.” Her experience highlights the emotional stamina required to sustain a business through economic uncertainty.
      

• Laura, founder of The Glow Lab 

• • For beauty entrepreneur Laura of The Glow Lab in Milton Keynes, patience and consistency are key. She recommends investing in high-quality training, protecting work-life balance, and using a mix of digital marketing and word-of-mouth to build loyalty.
      

• Charlie, founder of Wax & Relax 

• • The founder of the thriving salon in Harlow encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to gain hands-on experience before going solo. Specialist training, confidence and the flexibility of self-employment have enabled her to build a business that fits around family life.

• Serena, founder of Serena Syed PR 

• • Serena is a PR consultant using a Capital Space virtual office. She recommends that entrepreneurs stay curious and adaptable. While embracing AI, she stresses the continued importance of human insight, learning and networking: “That’s how you grow.”
      

From legal services to healthcare, wellness and creative industries, the message is consistent. Build strong relationships, protect your values, invest in skills, and create a professional base that supports both credibility and flexibility. Capital Space business centres are designed to do exactly that. 

From confidence and consistency to community and flexibility, successful female founders show that sustainable business growth starts with strong values, continual learning and the right support network. 

If you’re looking for office space from a provider that wants to support your business success, get in touch.