'Coffee and Co-Working' launched in Harrogate to create safe spaces for female entrepreneurs

It is hoped that at least 1,000 Coffee & Co-Working groups can be established across the UK and overseas to support more women who are, or who want, to ‘go it alone’.

“The pandemic and various lockdowns has had a greater negative effect on women in business,” said founder of the Women’s Business Club Angela De Souza.

“Many women-run businesses from home and had to shift their focus on to home-schooling and caring for children. Many women also did not qualify for any kind of government funding or support and therefore their business plans were put on ice or were stopped in their tracks from March 2020.

“It will take years for some women to get back to where they were, while some women have realised throughout the pandemic that they want a different career path.

"We believe collaboration is the key to this and we want to bring these women together.”

Venue partner ARC Inspirations are hosting the event at their Harrogate venue, Manahatta, off Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2RB.

Each Coffee & Co-Working session will last for three hours, will be monthly and will be free to attend with guests simply buying their own refreshments on the day.

Women can come along, work and chat – or they can do some more structured sessions based on the needs of those who attend.

One of those running one of the founder groups is Sarah Eddie, of SE Tax Professionals, who lives in Falkirk, Scotland. She joined Women’s Business Club after starting her own business.

She said: “I started my own business as I felt I was being forced to choose between having a career and being a good parent. I felt that was not necessary and running my own business allowed me to have flexibility.

“However when you make that choice, you don’t have the same connection with your former colleagues as they don’t understand the journey you are on.

"That’s what I love about the Women’s Business Club. We support each other and it’s not competitive. It’s welcoming, it’s relaxed and supportive.”

Coffee & Co-Working will be suitable for any woman in business whatever their goal, business or ambition. They can be:

*Thinking about starting a business and wanting to find out more.

*Running a very small business from home and wanting to grow.

*Trying to recover after their business was impacted negatively by the pandemic.

*Feeling lonely and isolated and looking for support.

*Leading a small business and wanting to give back to other women.

* Working for a company and want to get out of the office.

The event is free to attend but pre-booking is required at http://eventbrite.co.uk/e/366776527467.