Former Chatteris woman among top 100 inspirational business women

A former Chatteris woman has been named as one of the UK's most 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs 2021.

Sophie Webster, co-founder of Simon Webster Hair in Brighton, is the daughter of well-known Chatteris couple Andy and Lynda Behagg.

She has been named in the Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign.

Sophie moved to Brighton in 2005 and founded her salon in 2012 with husband Simon and together they have won accolades and awards for their progressive business approach and community-focused ethos.

These include the UK Ultimate Salon and Best newcomer award.

Sophie is being showcased alongside 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK, as part of the campaign’s recognition of the multi-achievements of women that have proved critical to society, their industry and their local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now in its fourth year, f:Entrepreneur was launched in 2017 to highlight amazing female role models to help and inspire all small businesses, through content, stories and events.

It particularly aims to showcase trailblazing female entrepreneurs that lead small businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support activities.

Sophie was also called out for her charitable work donating personal care products to the homeless and vulnerable in her community during lockdown, organising thank-you gift packs for Sussex NHS maternity nurses and hosting charitable events for Brighton Women’s Centre and National Women’s Day. She’s also member of a forum of business leaders who offer free of charge advice and guidance to others within the hairdressing industry and involved with networking groups who provide support to smaller businesses.

From beekeepers to salon owners, tech entrepreneurs to pole-dance-enthusiasts, this year’s campaign celebrates inspiring and resilient female entrepreneurs that have flourished despite Covid-19, with many still growing or starting new ventures.

Sophie said: “2020 and the Covid lockdowns we all experienced were (and continue to be) remarkably challenging, but I wanted to build positive experiences and initiatives from it. We are very lucky in that we have a strong business, stable home and comprehensive support network of friends and family around us.

"And I’m well aware that’s a privilege lots of people don’t have, so I wanted to do anything I could to extend whatever support where I could. I firmly believe that we’re stronger when we work together and if there was any time that called for collaboration and co-operation, it’s now.”

Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens CBE, who is also the director of Small Business Saturday UK.

“Congratulations to all the inspiring women chosen to join this year’s #ialso100,” said Michelle Ovens. “Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish. We need to continue, and increase, our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.”

“We have seen so many women embracing change, generating and exploring new ideas, rallying around their communities and supporting their peers. This resilience is hugely valuable and will set them up for success as they will be at the very heart of the UK’s recovery.”

To see the full list of the 100 amazing women featured in this year’s f:entrepreneur #ialso100 campaign visit https://f-entrepreneur.com/fentrepreneur-100/