A KNOWLE businesswoman was put in the spotlight at a special International Women’s Day event at the House of Lords.
Kim Hulse was one of 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK selected for Small Business Britain’s annual #iAlso100 – a line up of 2025’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs.
A part of Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur campaign, the #iAlso100 champions the powerful impact of female business owners to the UK economy, communities and society.
Kim was named as one of ƒ:Entrepreneur’s #iAlso100 this year in recognition of her impressive entrepreneurial journey, including running her business – K Hulse Consulting – alongside a host of other responsibilities, including her role at Visit Knowle championing the village and local businesses.
Kim is passionate about the role High Streets play in local communities and specialises in helping High Street businesses curate their product ranges and invite footfall to their business.
Kim said: “It was a privilege to be invited to the House of Lords. It was inspiring to meet so many female entrepreneurs and it was fascinating to hear more about their businesses.”
The special event brought together hundreds of female business owners from across the UK to showcase their powerful economic contribution and the transformative, positive impact that entreprenureship can have on women.
Research from Small Business Britain, in partnership with Starling Bank, found four in five women feel more confident in their abilities after launching their business,with 87 per cent feeling happier.
Kim enjoyed afternoon tea and networking in Westminster, meeting other founders from across the country, as well as special guests, which included representatives from across Government and the King’s Trust.
Speaches on the importance of International Women’s Day for female entrepreneurs were delivered by Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain, Maria Vidler, chief customer officer at Starling Bank, Emma Heal, managing director of Lucky Saint and entrepreneur Jessamine Hislop, founder of Little Pickles Markets who features in this year’s#iAlso100 campaign.
Michelle Ovens said: “The drive and determination of women-led businesses across the UK is nothing short of remarkable. Despite the entrepreneurial load of running a business, women are demonstrably happier and more confident for taking on that challenge and making a huge impact through their businesses.
“Through the f:Entrepreneur campaign, we want to foster this confidence and creativity to boost women’s successes this year and beyond, which will drive so much growth and recovery for the UK as a whole. It was great to have amazing women like Kim join us for the day to recognize their value and impact on entrepreneurship.”
Launched in 2017, the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign highlights the immense and multi-dimensional contributions of women business owners, many of whom lead purpose-driven businesses while supporting their local communities through mentoring, volunteering, and collaboration.
Now in its ninth year, the campaign reflects how female entrepreneurs continue to thrive in the UK despite persistent economic challenges.
