L-R Liz Bassnett of Push Creative; Judith Harding of Best of South Shields; Susan Balfour of Katy Sue Design; Bernice Robinson of Tasty Bites; Linda Leary of Linda Leary Estate Agents; Gillian George of JAG Productions and Judith Addyman of Restaurant Design Associates

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – March 8 – provided a perfect day for women across South Tyneside to get together and celebrate their achievements, particularly when it comes to business.

Following her recent visit to South Tyneside, during which she inspired many of the region’s business women at the Business Boutique networking event, Michelle Mone, founder and co-owner of Ultimo Lingerie, said: “Compared to when I started out there are definitely a lot more women taking the plunge and starting their own businesses, which can only be a positive thing.”

In the run up to this year’s International Women’s Day, South Tyneside Means Business met with several of the regions business women to find out why they think so many women are now starting businesses in South Tyneside.

Liz Bassnett of Push Creative, said: “It’s nice to see a significant increase in the number of women running businesses in the region. I think the amount of support available locally has definitely helped women to find the confidence to become business leaders, which is great news – particularly when it comes to providing positive role models for the young women of the borough.”

Bernice Robinson of Tasty Bites, said: “Having owned my own business in South Shields for several years now, I’ve seen a huge increase in the number of women not only starting businesses but also networking, which in my opinion is fantastic.

“When I first joined the South Tyneside Business Network eight or nine years ago very few of the members were women, now there are a lot more which has certainly changed the dynamic of the group for the better. ”

South Tyneside Means Business can provide help and support to anyone looking to start a business in the region, to help turn your ideas into reality.