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On Friday 18th November Leader of the Opposition , Sir Kier Starmer and Shadow Chancellor , Rachel Reeves visited the Foundry at the Workshed business centre in Swindon to meet with local women entrepreneurs . The event was arranged as the Labour Party showed an interest in meeting with local female business owners to find out more about the challenges currently faced by women in business , with a view to understanding what government could or should be doing to enable them to thrive .
Gilly Gray , Founder of sustainable fashion consultancy , The Sustainable Gray attended
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the visit , she said , “ Kier and Rachel were very much in listening mode , keen to hear about our businesses and the challenges we face . The current cost of living crisis was very high on the agenda , but it was also important for me to tell them that , as female entrepreneurs , we face very personal challenges on a day-to-day basis like balancing caring responsibilities , general life admin and health concerns such as the menopause ; these can all really impact one ’ s ability to run a business .”
Talia Maddison owner of The Cotswold Cooks and The Cricklade Club , was also
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in attendance , she said , “ I spoke to Keir about the importance of supporting small businesses , about organic farming and the environment and finally about the importance of motivating children to eat healthily , at which point I thrust my book ‘ The Giant Who Eats Trees ’ into his hands . It is a book to inspire children to eat vegetables . He encouraged me to continue to take it into schools . Job done !” Ieva Delininkaityte , Marketing Lead at Create Studios and Founder of talent agency , Evito Talent , added , “ I attended the event and had a great chance to talk with Keir - and even take a selfie ! What really stays with me |
after the event is that Keir took the time to listen to every one of us . He asked us about our businesses and any struggles that we experience and took the time to answer . To have events like this is super important as it brings the community together and we all know that together we are stronger .
“ This event might not make a huge difference right away but in the long run . It was great to share the real-life struggles and joys with politicians who seems to genuinely care . I asked Keir to join us at the launch of Create Studios new facilities in March , watch this space !”
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Swindon Mayor , Cllr Abdul Amin , officially opened The Foundry ; Swindon ’ s new small business accelerator on Thursday 3rd November . He was joined by Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP , the Leader of Swindon Borough Council Cllr David Renard and members of his cabinet . In his welcome address the mayor spoke about the impact this programme will have on the local economy . He said , “ This is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to come here and have training . So many people don ’ t realise what is involved in starting and running a business and gaining access to the services and people with the expertise is so expensive . The Foundry is supplying all of this for free . The intense 12-week programme will really help put these businesses at the forefront of where they need to be ."
Created by business start-up experts
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Outset , The Foundry aims to provide ambitious business owners with the support they need , but who may otherwise be unable to afford or access it .
Based out of The Workshed in Swindon , successful business owners who enter The Foundry will get the use of free office space , complimentary business advice , and mentorship from industry experts .
Duncan Robinson , Business Advisor for Outset , said , “ The response we have had from local businesses has been better than we ever expected . It ’ s brilliant to see so many start-ups up here in Swindon and the surrounding areas . The feedback we have received from those involved in the pilot scheme has been amazing . They say they have all learned so much from being here and having a network of other business owners around them . Getting to share your concerns , questions and challenges with
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others in the same position as you is so valuable for micro and small businesses .”
Four Friends Drinks Ltd , one of the companies on The Foundry ' s pilot programme , had their wares on display so people could enjoy samples from the new handcrafted spirit drinks firm . Robert Hobbs , Co-founder , said , “ We joined The Foundry to help accelerate our growth and move forward with confidence . We ’ ve learned so much since the pilot scheme and have now started trading ! Being part of this means you ’ re not alone in running your small business . You have a network of supporters behind you , including a peer group at the
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same stage as you , experts from every industry you could need , and the Foundry team all helping you . The knowledge and impartial expert advice is invaluable for any start-up company .”
Applications are now open for Foundry II , which starts in January 2023 . There is an opportunity for 20 business owners to join each three-month programme and anyone interested can apply by downloading an application form via :
web : www . theworkshed . co . uk / thefoundry / email : info @ thefoundryswindon . org or call : 0800 917 1179 .
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