#SheLeads 2025
Written by Team 365 Finance
Welcome to #SheLeads 2025
Celebrating Women Powering the Future of Entrepreneurship
Welcome to the 2025 #SheLeads campaign, presented by 365 Finance. This year, our initiative draws insight from the Beauhurst – J.P. Morgan: Women-Powered Businesses 2024 report and the Gender Index Report 2025. Together, these studies reveal both the progress women entrepreneurs are making and the barriers that remain in high-growth business.
Unlocking Potential in the UK Economy
Women-powered businesses are a driving force in the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape. Since 2021, the number of women-led or majority female-owned businesses has grown from 18.3% to 29.7%, with over 14,500 high-growth companies shaping industries from technology to food and drink
Despite this progress, challenges persist. The Gender Index Report 2025 highlights that only 19.1% of active companies are female-led, a decline from 20.1% in 2023. Female-led businesses also face stark funding gaps: only 14.2% secured debt finance in 2024, compared with 61.1% of male-led firms
Yet the potential is undeniable. Female-led companies achieved 24.6% turnover growth in 2024, outpacing male-led peers at 21.6%. With better access to capital, mentorship and targeted support, these businesses could unlock long-term inclusive growth and transform the UK economy.
Challenges and Opportunities
The research shows that women-powered businesses are:
- Thriving in diverse sectors such as SaaS, food and drink, care, clothing, and education.
- Driving growth despite barriers, with high turnover increases across the UK, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Underfunded relative to potential, with women-led firms receiving 23.2% of private investment in 2023 but only 18.7% of total grant funding value.
The 2025 #SheLeads campaign highlights these disparities while cele
Meet Our Inspiring Founders
This year, we are proud to feature five extraordinary women who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship. Through candid video interviews, they share their journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and the vision driving their businesses forward.
Daniela Groza — Auzi
Jewellery designed to celebrate hearing aids and challenge stigma. Daniela shares how she transformed a personal story into a growing business making style inclusive.
Louise Duncum — Weiz Styles
Personal stylist and colour consultant helping women find confidence through their wardrobes. Louise speaks about building a brand focused on empowerment, fun and authenticity.
Eva Thorne — Garden of Eva
A food brand inspired by heritage and global travel. Eva tells how childhood traditions and international flavours shaped her entrepreneurial journey.
Hasina Rahman — Pink Diamond Martial Arts
Founder of a women-only martial arts club, Hasina explains how karate and kickboxing gave her confidence and why she built a safe space for women and girls.
Jane Frankland MBE — IN Security Movement
Cybersecurity entrepreneur, author and campaigner for women in tech. Jane shares her story of resilience, leadership and driving change in a male-dominated industry.
Join the Movment
The 2025 #SheLeads campaign is more than a series of interviews. It is a call to action. We invite you to:
- Be inspired by the journeys of our featured entrepreneurs.
- Learn about the latest initiatives supporting women-led businesses.
- Explore opportunities for funding and support tailored to female founders.
- Join a growing community of advocates for gender equity in entrepreneurship.
Together, we can build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that unlocks the full potential of women-powered businesses. Let’s drive innovation, economic growth and positive change across the UK and beyond.
Explore the stories of our trailblazing entrepreneurs and be part of the 2025 #SheLeads movement. Your journey to high-growth entrepreneurship starts here.