Nottingham entrepreneur celebrated at International Women’s Day House of Lords reception

Tara Askham, founder of TKA Finance Training was spotlighted at a special International Women’s Day event at the House of Lords last Friday, 7th March, celebrating her success as a founder.

Tara Askham, whose business provides finance training to non-finance managers, business owners, and entrepreneurs, 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. 

Tara was named as one of ƒ: Entrepreneur’s #iAlso100 this year in recognition of her impressive entrepreneurial journey, including running her business alongside a host of other responsibilities. Beyond her business, Tara is a passionate advocate for mentoring and supporting fellow entrepreneurs. She actively volunteers with Santander Women in Business, UnLtd, and the Government’s Help to Grow Scheme with Enterprise Nation. She also serves as a funding panel member for NatWest Charity S&CC and works as a subject matter expert for global accounting bodies. 

Tara said, “Celebrating the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso 2025 winners at the House of Lords was truly inspiring. When women support each other, incredible things happen. Here’s to driving change and championing female entrepreneurs every day!.”  

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 entrepreneurship can have on women.

Recent research from Small Business Britain, in partnership with Starling Bank, found four in five (80%) women feel more confident in their abilities after launching their business, with 87% feeling happier.

Tara 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. 

Speeches on the importance of International Women’s Day for female entrepreneurs were delivered by Michelle Ovens CBE, 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. 

“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,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and the ƒ:Entrepreneur campaign.

“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 Tara 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.

Delivered by Small Business Britain—the leading champion of small businesses in the UK—the f:Entrepreneur campaign highlights the stories of amazing female business owners and helps provide inspiration and role models across the wider small business community. It also offers a range of events, training, and networking opportunities to boost skills, confidence, and growth for female founders across the country.  

To see the full line-up of the 100 amazing women featured in this year’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign visit https://f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2025/.

Ends

Editors notes

In February 2025 Small Business Britain surveyed 1,000 female entrepreneurs across the UK

in partnership with Starling Bank.

Interviews and images are available on request.

For more information, please contact media@smallbusinessbritain.uk.

About Small Business Britain

Small Business Britain is the UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting the UK's 5.5 million small businesses, no matter their location, their sector, or their ambition level. Through a series of campaigns, networks, training and reports, Small Business Britain champions and informs small businesses in the UK. Committed to making entrepreneurship as inclusive as possible, it brings small business owners together to foster growth and increased confidence. 

https://smallbusinessbritain.uk

Twitter: @britainsmallbiz

Facebook: @smallbusinessbritain

Instagram: britainsmallbiz 

About f:Entrepreneur

Michelle Ovens CBE set up the f:Entrepreneur Campaign, which launched on International Women’s Day 2017, because of the growing sense that there should be more recognition for the amazing, multi-faceted contribution of women who run so many businesses in the UK.

The goal of the campaign is to celebrate the dynamic and inspirational businesses led by women in the UK. It is aimed at both men and women, because everyone has something to learn from these stories of challenge and success. 

Through events, content and storytelling, f:Entrepreneur showcases role models to help and inspire all small businesses. 

@fentrepreneuruk 

https://f-entrepreneur.com/about-us/

About the #iAlso100

The f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 celebrates and showcases amazing female entrepreneurs from all over the UK and is brought to you by the f:Entrepreneur campaign, run by Small Business Britain.