This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, calls for tangible steps to advance women’s economic empowerment.
Here are three inspiring women who have accelerated their business growth and productivity. With support from SBC-accredited business schools, these women are taking actions to boost productivity, drive innovation, and overcome barriers across the UK.
Colette Johnston, Company Secretary of InspecVision
InspecVision is a family-run business that manufactures precision measurement machines for industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Colette has helped the company accelerate growth by partnering with Ulster University Business School through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which revitalised their sales strategy and doubled turnover in three years. Today, Colette is guiding the company through its recent acquisition and exploring new export markets.
Chelsea Davies, COO of CPR Global Ltd
Chelsea Davies leads CPR Global, a Swansea-based manufacturer of wearable devices that help vulnerable people stay safe and connected at home and at work. The company has become a key player in digital healthcare, with its devices being trialed in the NHS thanks to a partnership with Swansea School of Management. Looking ahead, Chelsea is preparing to expand into the US market, focusing on regulatory approvals and partnerships, with support from business schools in navigating these new opportunities.
Ellie Fowler, Owner & Director of The Travel Business
The Travel Business, an independent travel agency based in Newport, serves customers across the UK. Ellie, an alumna of the Help to Grow: Management course at Cardiff School of Management, has faced challenges with recruitment and retention in a competitive job market and balancing rapid growth while maintaining the personal touch that defines their services. The structured support from Cardiff helped her refine strategies in financial planning, marketing, and leadership. With the mentorship of an industry expert, Ellie has navigated growth confidently, focusing on luxury and corporate travel expansions while enhancing team development. She believes universities could further support businesses by offering ongoing development courses and regular check-ins to help maintain strategic focus.
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:
"At the Small Business Charter, we witness firsthand how women entrepreneurs are transforming the UK’s small business landscape. Our accredited business schools play a crucial role in providing the tools, mentorship, and knowledge necessary for women to thrive. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate these trailblazers and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating action that empowers more women to lead, innovate, and grow successful businesses."
