The unemployment rate has soared in the UK over the past few years, resulting in serious changes to our local economy. With all this talk of redundancy and job cuts, many of us are lacking confidence, whether employed or looking for work...

Women in particular seem to have felt the effects of the gloom and doom of the recession (and no it’s not because we have less money to spend on shoes!) Although women and men form roughly 50% each of clients for mainstream business support, statistics show that fewer women are actually setting up their own businesses.

There are a number of possible reasons for this, for example women in particular may feel judged as being considered too young or “inexperienced” in the job market, or worse too old (ever noticed how baby faced those female presenters look in comparison to their silver-foxed male counterparts?) They may feel restricted time wise due to being a single parent, or be facing health or disability issues. Some women may lack confidence merely because they have been out of the workforce for some time (due to maternity leave perhaps).

Across the South East, a project is taking place to improve the help available to women who may be trying to, or considering starting their own business. It is called the South East Women’s Business Service, or SEWBS. The project aims to help women to succeed in the job market, finding new ways to reach women before and after they set up their business, whatever their background, experience and career aspirations.

Emma Drew is the West Sussex Women’s Business Adviser, employed by Business Link. She works with women on a one to one basis, offering her advice on the when’s, what’s, where’s, why’s and how’s of starting up your own business. Her assistance is available to all West Sussex women, whether working for commercial and social enterprises. Emma provides women with one-to-one clinics, mentoring, training, professional development and guidance, as well as important information about networking events.

Emma works with a variety of women, from Lawyers, Interior Designers, Record Labels and Publishers, to Cosmetic Surgeons, Beauty Therapists and Child Minders. It’s safe to say she’s seen it all! She says “What all of the women I work with have in common is passion and drive, which I think is the most important thing - You must believe in the service you can provide.”

Emma believes that good ideas and a good attitude go a long way in business and, of course that confidence is key, “that’s where I come in” Emma says. “Many of the women I have met have such potential but are lacking self-belief. So part of my job is to listen to them, to ask them how they feel about what they want to do. Sometimes it just takes someone to sit and listen for some fantastic ideas to flourish”. Emma has definitely hit the nail on the head there; indeed, most women I know have a colossal "TO DO" list following them around!

What caught my attention most about Emma is her sheer dedication to these ‘women in need’. She travels to them on a daily basis, regardless of them being at work or home. And her support is not just for women at the early stages of their career, she guides them every step of the way (for a maximum 3 years). “Generally women are more successful in business” Emma adds “their businesses often sustain for longer. However they are usually smaller than men’s - My dream is to see these small businesses grow and develop”. As long as Emma Drew continues to offer her valuable support to the women of West Sussex, I believe that they will.

Who do I contact?
Business Link is the provider. The Adviser for West Sussex is Emma Drew. The Co-ordinator is Nicola Bannell.
Call on 0845 600 9 006 with your details and ask for a women’s business adviser to give you a call.

How will it work?
Emma will respond as flexibly as we can to people’s needs and ideas.
0845 600 9006

What if I don’t live in West Sussex?
Call Business Link on 0845 600 9006 and the helpline will find the right person for you.