Bira members share the secrets to their success for International Women’s Day
The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) has decided to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March by sharing some of its members’ secrets to success.
One of bira’s long standing supporters, Sadie Chalkley owns J G Banfield and Sons, a hardware shop in Tenbury Wells. Sadie broke a century old all male presidency line at the Association when she became National President in 2009.
Sadie says: “Ensuring my finances are sound is the secret to my success. Keeping a good grasp of your finances is vital to any new business owner, but overall I measure success based on how much I have pleased people.”
Tanya Umpleby from Cooking Fantastic in Harrogate started her business at the age of 25.Tanya’s advice for women in business is: “Believe in yourself, your products and your prices – my Aunt taught me that in my first year of trading. If you don’t believe the product is worth what you are selling it for then how will your customer?”
Sarah Golden, marketing and membership director at bira says: “As the first woman to become a Director of bira in 2011 I’ve always been inspired by all the leading women working in retail and owning their own businesses.
“As an organisation we proactively support women in business and praise their achievements in what still remains a male dominated industry.
“We have more women than ever as part of our Board of Management and have two incredibly successful women waiting in the wings to take up the role of National President in the next three years.”
More information can be found at www.bira.co.uk
