Ladies Who Latte: A networking group for female entrepreneurs in Croydon 

For many SME owners, the journey of business growth is often a solitary one, but finding a supportive community can be the catalyst for unexpected success. Discover how local female founders are leveraging the power of collaboration at Capital Business Centre to overcome isolation, share professional expertise, and build a stronger presence in the South Croydon business landscape. 

What is South Croydon Ladies Who Latte?

The South Croydon chapter of Ladies Who Latte is more than just a networking with a twist; a collaborative hub designed specifically for female founders, sole traders, and SME owners in the Croydon area. The group provides a welcoming environment where women can exchange wisdom, share connections, and support one another through the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey. 

The group serves a diverse range of local businesses, offering a platform for professional development through its “business spotlight” section. This initiative allows members to showcase their expertise, with recent topics covering essential business services such as: 

• Digital marketing and social media growth strategies. 

• Generative AI and website design. 

• Financial advice and private health insurance. 

• Wellness and physical health, including interactive Pilates lessons. 

By bringing together such a varied range of professionals, from reflexologists to tech experts, the group ensures that every attendee leaves with a new perspective or a practical tool to help their business succeed. 

When did the networking group start?

The South Croydon Ladies Who Latte group was resurrected in October 2024. Recognising that the local networking scene for women had waned significantly following the pandemic, Capital Space Ltd saw a clear opportunity to rebuild a community that local business owners were clearly craving. 

What started with just a handful of local sole traders has flourished into a consistent, 12-strong collective of regulars. While the group maintains an intimate feel to ensure meaningful conversations, its impact is widespread; up to 40 different business owners have attended since its relaunch. 

This steady growth is a testament to the group’s core values of inclusivity and mutual support. Unlike high-pressure sales environments, this group focuses on “friendly, welcoming, and supportive” interactions. This culture allows female entrepreneurs to be vulnerable about their challenges while celebrating their wins, creating a foundation of trust that naturally leads to organic business growth and referrals. 

What is the value of female networking groups?

For female entrepreneurs, access to the right network is often cited as a critical factor in business longevity. The Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, expanding access to networking and peer-to-peer support is vital for narrowing the gender gap in business, as women are often less likely than men to have access to established business networks.  

The group utilise the Capital Business Centre as its base because it offers the professional, high-quality environment necessary for business success. As a leading provider of business accommodation, Capital Space provides the perfect backdrop for these meetings. Members particularly value the meeting rooms and facilities at the Croydon centre, which include: 

• Free on-site parking: A major benefit for busy entrepreneurs traveling from across South Croydon. 

• Professional equipment: Including modern audio visual equipment and free high speed internet. 

• Community atmosphere: The staff at the Capital Business Centre are consistently praised for their helpfulness, ensuring the first Monday of every month runs smoothly for all attendees. 

By hosting the group within a thriving business centre, members also get a firsthand look at the various offices and workshops available, highlighting how a professional base can elevate a brand’s image. 

What do the members say about Ladies Who Latte?  

The positive feedback from women at all stages of their business journey is testimony to the warm welcome and support offered by the group:  

“Ladies who Latte is a welcoming space for women business owners. Whatever you are building, networking is a crucial part of the journey, you can’t do it alone and so being part of groups like LWL gives you the opportunities to share and learn at the same time. It’s a relaxed space with lots of friendly people who are there for the same reasons as you, it’s somewhere I have found easy to air my challenges and offer my own lessons to others. I really enjoy attending the monthly meet ups and would recommend it to anyone starting out on their business journey and who needs help growing their network.” – Veshali Patel, Director, Pinnacle Advisory Services

“It was great to meet you all and a big thanks for making me feel so welcome. I really enjoyed hearing about all your businesses” – Lara Zimmern, lifevantage

“Networking at its best today at South Croydon ladies who latte” – Ben Holmes, WPA Healthcare

“Always find it a really enjoyable and useful networking event” – Samantha Read, Greenleaf Bookkeeping 

“Great session. Glad to be in such great company. Thank you ladies.” – Shirley Burgess, Forever Living

“Thank you for the warm welcome. I really enjoyed the meeting. It was lovely seeing some familiar faces and meeting new faces too.” Claire McCarthy, Utility Warehouse

“It was great to meet everyone and find out about their business” – Jigna Doshi, Invent the Compass ltd

How can I get involved with Ladies Who Latte?

The future looks bright for Ladies Who Latte in Croydon. The primary goal for the coming year is to continue growing the group’s engagement while maintaining the high quality of support and education provided. Get in contact with the group via their Facebook page. 

The group meets on the first Monday of every month (excluding bank holidays) from 10 am to 12 pm at the Capital Business Centre, and you can find out when their next meeting is here. Each session is designed to be accessible and impactful, offering a mix of informal networking and structured spotlights. They will continue to bring expert speakers and perhaps even more interactive sessions, like the recent Pilates lesson with Karen Prato of Pure Movement Pilates, which took place right within the workspace to demonstrate the versatility of the centre’s facilities. 

Whether you are looking for a virtual office to give your business a professional Croydon address or you are ready to move into your first physical studio, joining this group is a fantastic first step toward integrating into the local business community. 

Community is the secret ingredient to entrepreneurial resilience, and the lad

ies at Croydon’s Capital Business Centre are proving that when women support women, the whole local economy thrives.  

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