Sara Davies and Kim McGuinness meet Chancellor Rachel Reeves

The event was organised by Moja CEO Sophie Milliken who said: “There is no shortage of talent in our region, and  no shortage of ambition. But put the right people in the room together and everything accelerates.

“A few people messaged me when the invites went out asking if it was real. Which says a lot, because opportunities like this aren’t the norm for founders in our region. Not because the businesses aren’t good enough, but because access doesn’t always flow this far north.

“And that’s the bit we don’t talk about enough.”

Kim McGuinness said: “Businesses led by women are often stronger, but sadly simply don’t often attract the level of investment of those led by men.

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“In the North East we are determined to change that, so we met Rachel Reeves and a load of investors and connectors and we plan to bring that money North so these incredible women can use it to grow.”

Sara Davies said the event was ‘a moment of recognition’

She said: “Building a business in the North East of England as a 21-year-old woman 20 years ago was not easy.

“There was talent everywhere — ambition, ideas, work ethic — but what we didn’t always have was access. Access to the same opportunities, networks and recognition that seemed far more readily available elsewhere in the country.

“That’s why being invited to 11 Downing Street this week meant so much more than just stepping inside an iconic building.

“To stand alongside so many brilliant women from across Teesside and the wider North East, all building, leading and growing incredible businesses, was genuinely inspiring. These are women who are driving real impact in our region, creating jobs, innovating, and proving every single day what’s possible.

“And finally, it felt like that was being seen. I left feeling hopeful that this is just the beginning of even greater recognition for our region.”

 Sophie Milliken added: “This isn’t a room most North East founders get access to, but we had 50 female founders from across the North East at 11 Downing Street. From Northumberland down to Tees Valley. Different sectors, different stages, different ambitions, but all building something.

“Through City Ladies Networking, we’ve always focused on bringing the right people into the room. Not for the sake of it, but to create conversations that actually lead somewhere. So it was a privilege for Natalie Turner and I to be able to support such an important event – a reminder of what’s possible when you remove a few of the usual barriers.”