June’s Spotlight on Devon Women in Business
We at BIPC Devon know how tough it is to find like-minded people to network with, especially in under-represented groups. Our own Women in Business courses and award grants have helped to bridge that gap, however, we’d like to shine a light on two individuals who have been instrumental in championing female entrepreneurs across the county. Louise Jenner and Maureen Townsend started up Devon Women in Business together in the middle of the pandemic. With their combined experiences in job coaching and supporting independent businesses, they have been able to expand their network to multiple platforms and 100+ person awards shows. Louise shares her story of how she found her way into the group, how she’s been able to support female-founded businesses, and where she hopes to take it in the future. What led you to start up Devon Women in Business with Maureen? I’m a Devon girl, born and bred. I grew up in Ipplepen and went to school in Newton Abbot, but moved away to work for DFS Furniture. I was the first female salesperson to get signed off of their sales training programme back in 1998, then I became their first female manager, so I’ve always been