Famous British Women Entrepreneurs

Heather Mills is an English former model, businesswoman, and animal rights activist. She gained public attention after a traffic collision led to the amputation of her left leg. Despite the injury, Mills continued her modeling career with a prosthetic limb. She later became involved in animal rights advocacy, serving as a patron for Viva! and the Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation. Additionally, she holds the position of vice-president at the Limbless Association.

Trinny Woodall is a renowned British beauty entrepreneur, businesswoman, and the founder/CEO of Trinny London. She gained fame as a fashion and makeover expert, TV presenter, and author. Woodall, alongside Susannah Constantine, co-wrote a fashion column for The Daily Telegraph and hosted the popular BBC show What Not to Wear in 2001. This success led to various TV projects, books, and clothing lines. Woodall's professional journey exemplifies her expertise in the fashion and beauty industry, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision.

Lottie Tomlinson is a British makeup artist, model, and entrepreneur renowned for founding the successful self-tanning brand, Tanologist. She has showcased her modeling skills for various prominent brands, including Boux Avenue, Ghost Fragrances, Lipsy London, and PrettyLittleThing. With a strong presence in the beauty and fashion industry, Lottie has established herself as a versatile talent, known for her creativity and expertise in makeup artistry. Her professional journey is marked by a series of successful collaborations and ventures that highlight her passion for beauty and style.

Michelle Dewberry is a successful British businesswoman, presenter, and media personality. She gained widespread recognition after winning the second series of the British television programme The Apprentice. With her victory on the show, Dewberry showcased her business acumen and entrepreneurial skills to a national audience. Following her win, she has continued to make a name for herself in the business world, leveraging her platform to pursue various ventures and projects that have further solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in the industry.

Anita Roddick was a British businesswoman, human rights activist, and environmental campaigner best known for founding The Body Shop, a cosmetics company that pioneered ethical consumerism by banning animal testing and promoting fair trade. She was actively involved in environmental and social issues, supporting organizations like Greenpeace and founding Children on the Edge to help disadvantaged children. Roddick believed that businesses should provide moral leadership and was dedicated to advocating for social justice, including supporting the Angola Three prisoners.

Jennie McAlpine is a versatile English television actress, comedian, and businesswoman. She has showcased her acting prowess through notable roles as Michelle Morley in Emmerdale and Fiz Brown in Coronation Street. McAlpine's talent and charisma were further highlighted during her participation in the seventeenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2017, where she achieved a commendable fourth-place finish. Her successful career spans various genres, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with her performances on both scripted dramas and reality television.

Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken is a prominent Dutch billionaire businesswoman known for her role as the owner of a 25% controlling interest in Heineken N.V., the world's second-largest brewer. With a net worth estimated at US$14.1 billion, she has established herself as a key figure in the global business landscape. Her leadership and strategic vision have played a significant role in the growth and success of Heineken N.V., solidifying her reputation as a respected and influential business leader in the brewing industry.

Clarissa Dickson Wright was a prominent English celebrity cook, television personality, writer, businesswoman, and former barrister. She gained fame as one half of the duo "Two Fat Ladies" on a popular cooking show. Additionally, she was recognized for her skills as a cricket umpire and for being one of the rare women to achieve the title of Guild Butcher. Throughout her career, Clarissa made significant contributions to the culinary world and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Diana Mary "Dido" Harding, Baroness Harding of Winscombe, is a British businesswoman and life peer. She served as chair of NHS Improvement and as interim chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency and head of NHS Test and Trace. Harding was the chief executive of the TalkTalk Group and is a member of the Conservative Party. She was appointed as a member of the House of Lords and holds a board position at the Jockey Club. Harding was appointed to head NHS Test and Trace by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Karren Brady is a prominent British business executive, television personality, and Conservative member of the House of Lords. She began her career as the managing director of Birmingham City F.C., where she became the youngest managing director of a UK plc. She later transitioned to West Ham United F.C. as vice-chairman. Brady is also known for her role as an aide to Alan Sugar on The Apprentice and as a Small Business Ambassador for the UK government. Additionally, she has authored several books, including the bestseller "Strong Woman."

Denise Coates is a prominent British businesswoman known for her role as the founder, majority shareholder, and joint chief executive of Bet365, a leading online gambling company. With an estimated net worth of $7.7 billion as of July 2023, she has gained recognition for her significant financial success. Coates has been noted for her substantial earnings, including a high salary and dividends, making her one of the highest-paid chief executives in Britain. She is also recognized as one of the wealthiest women in the country, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

Ruth Porat is a prominent British-American business executive known for her roles as Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google from 2015 to 2024, as well as the CFO of Morgan Stanley from 2010 to 2015. Her leadership and financial acumen have earned her recognition, including being ranked as the 16th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2023 and eighth on Fortune's Most Powerful Women list. Porat's career is marked by her strategic financial management and influential presence in the corporate world.

Deborah Meaden is a successful British businessperson known for her involvement in the TV show Dragons' Den. She previously managed a profitable family holiday business, overseeing a multimillion-pound operation. After completing a management buyout, she transitioned into the world of investing and entrepreneurship. Her role as a 'Dragon' on Dragons' Den has showcased her business acumen and investment skills to a wide audience. Meaden's professional journey highlights her expertise in business management, strategic decision-making, and investment opportunities.

Gemma Collins is a prominent English media personality and successful businesswoman known for her appearances on popular reality TV shows such as The Only Way Is Essex, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating, and Dancing on Ice. In 2018, she started her own reality franchise, Gemma Collins: Diva, which showcased her charismatic and larger-than-life personality. Additionally, she ventured into podcasting by hosting a show on BBC Sounds, expanding her reach and influence in the entertainment industry.

Julia Evelyn Morley CBE is an English businesswoman, charity worker, and former model. She is the chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, overseeing the Miss World and Mister World pageants. Morley has been instrumental in introducing initiatives like "Beauty With A Purpose," aimed at supporting sick and disadvantaged children. She has also launched charitable endeavors such as the Variety International Children’s Fund and received recognition for her humanitarian efforts. Morley's dedication to charitable and voluntary services has been acknowledged through prestigious awards and honors.

Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia is an English businessperson specializing in etiquette and decorum courses. With a background in the former Yugoslavian royal family, she has built a successful career offering training and guidance in social etiquette. Through her courses, Princess Katarina helps individuals refine their manners and behavior in various social settings. Her expertise in etiquette has made her a respected figure in the field, providing valuable insights and knowledge to those seeking to enhance their social skills.

Hazel Crane was a notable figure in South Africa, known for her role as a socialite, businesswoman, and posthumous memoirist. She was recognized for her prominence within affluent circles and her contributions to the business community. Crane's professional life was marked by her involvement in high society events and her successful ventures in the business world. Her legacy also includes her courageous decision to testify against an alleged organized crime boss in a murder trial, reflecting her commitment to justice and integrity.

Isabel Maxwell is a renowned entrepreneur known for co-founding Magellan, an early search engine later acquired by Excite. She has been recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum. Maxwell served as the President of Commtouch, which transformed into CYREN, an Israeli internet company. She also played a key role as a Director of Israel Venture Network and was instrumental in developing their Social Entrepreneur program in Israel from 2004 to 2010. Maxwell's professional journey showcases her impactful contributions to the tech and entrepreneurial landscape.

Eleanor Coade was a successful British businesswoman known for manufacturing Neoclassical statues, architectural decorations, and garden ornaments made of her high-quality, durable Lithodipyra stone. She did not invent artificial stone but likely perfected its formulation and firing process. Combining manufacturing expertise, artistic talent, and business acumen, she created widely sought-after stone products. Her company supplied stoneware to prestigious locations like St George's Chapel, Windsor, and Buckingham Palace. Eleanor Coade's legacy lives on through the lasting beauty and quality of the stone pieces she produced.

Madame Restell was a prominent abortion provider and midwife in New York City. Known for her controversial services, she catered to women seeking abortions in the 19th century when abortion was illegal. Restell's practice gained notoriety for its discretion and relatively high success rates, attracting clients from various social classes. Despite facing legal challenges and public scrutiny, she continued her work for years, becoming a prominent figure in the city's medical landscape. Madame Restell's legacy remains a subject of historical interest and debate.

Gina Nadira Miller is a prominent Guyanese-British business owner and activist known for her significant legal challenges against the British government. She gained widespread attention for initiating the 2016 court case questioning the government's authority to implement Brexit without parliamentary approval. In 2019, she successfully challenged the government's prorogation of Parliament with support from notable figures. Additionally, Miller founded the True and Fair Campaign to advocate for transparency and accountability in the investment and pension industries, highlighting her dedication to combatting financial misconduct.

Jacqueline Gold was a renowned British businesswoman, serving as the executive chair of Gold Group International, Ann Summers, and Knickerbox. She was widely recognized for her influential role in the retail industry. Gold's impressive accomplishments included being ranked as the 16th richest woman in Great Britain in 2019, with an estimated worth of £470 million according to The Sunday Times Rich List. Her leadership and business acumen contributed significantly to the success and growth of the companies she oversaw.

Phyllis Pearsall was a British painter and writer known for founding the Geographers' A-Z Map Company. She is recognized as one of the most successful business figures of the twentieth century. While she has been mistakenly attributed with creating London's first popular indexed street map, her contributions to cartography and map-making are significant. Pearsall's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing accurate and accessible maps have left a lasting impact on the industry, establishing her as a pioneering figure in the field.

Debonnaire Jane von Bismarck-Schönhausen is an English businesswoman, stylist, and socialite. She is the founder of the company Debonnaire, which operates out of a boutique in Knightsbridge, London. The company specializes in selling vintage and internationally collected women's clothing and accessories. Following a trip to India in 2014, Bismarck expanded her business to include the production of cotton shirts and boxer shorts. She later established a Debonnaire showroom to showcase her expanding range of products.

Holly Branson's professional journey is shaped by her diverse experiences and leadership roles within the Virgin Group. Despite her initial career as a doctor, she seamlessly transitioned into a key role within Virgin Management's senior team. Her business acumen and vision for progressive growth have been instrumental in shaping the company's success. Holly's dynamic personality, coupled with her active involvement in various NGOs, showcases her dedication to making a positive impact. She shares her father's love for adventure, evident in her various challenging pursuits and ambitious goals, including her upcoming space flight with Virgin Galactic.

Hannah Bagshawe is a notable English public relations executive and antiques dealer, recognized for her work and association with Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne. She transitioned from working at a prestigious antiques dealer to establishing her own business, allowing for flexibility to accompany her husband on his endeavors. Bagshawe's role as a financial publicist for Redmayne showcases her professional expertise, while her support extends to managing daily tasks, aiding in wardrobe choices, and attending industry events alongside him. Maintaining a private personal life, she remains a steadfast presence in the background of their public engagements.

Rachael Heyhoe Flint was a pioneering figure in English sports, excelling in both cricket and hockey. As captain of the English women's cricket team from 1966 to 1978, she led her team to victory in the inaugural 1973 Women's Cricket World Cup. Known for her unbeaten record in six Test series, she was the first female cricketer to hit a six in a Test match and one of the first ten women to become a member of the MCC. Heyhoe Flint's impact on women's cricket was profound, earning her the title of the Dr WG Grace of women's cricket.

Bandy Kiki is a Cameroonian blogger, LGBT activist, and serial entrepreneur based in the U.K. She is known for creating Kinnaka's Blog, a popular English-speaking website in Cameroon focused on news and entertainment. Her professional life is marked by controversy due to her strong political views and activism for the LGBT community. Bandy Kiki has gained attention and criticism, being labeled as "The Most Hated Anglophone On Social Media in Cameroon" for her outspoken stances and advocacy work.

Debra Searle is a renowned British adventurer, businesswoman, author, and keynote speaker. Her professional journey is highlighted by her remarkable solo rowing expedition across the Atlantic Ocean, which gained widespread recognition. Searle's resilience and determination were showcased when she successfully completed the challenging voyage after her rowing partner was rescued. Beyond her adventurous pursuits, she has established herself as a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary feats to motivate and empower audiences worldwide.

Dame Marjorie Scardino is a prominent American-born British business executive known for her tenure as CEO of Pearson PLC, where she significantly increased profits. She made history as the first female Chief Executive of a FTSE 100 company in 1997. Scardino has also held positions as a trustee of Oxfam, a non-executive director of Nokia, and former CEO of the Economist Group. Notably, she joined the board of Twitter in 2013 as its first female director, addressing diversity issues within the company.

Dorothea Christina Thomas was a notable figure in Grenada, known for her role as a free woman of color and slave owner. Her common-law marriage with Major John Gordon was central to a significant Scottish legal case that established a precedent for recognizing marriages based on "habit and repute." Thomas' relationships challenged stereotypes of free women of color as mistresses, highlighting the existence of diverse and stable relationships during her era. Her professional life was characterized by legal complexities and contributions to redefining marriage recognition.

Meggi Lashes is an accomplished English entrepreneur and social media influencer renowned for her brand of beauty products, Meggi Lashes. With expertise in beauty, makeup, and fashion, she operates multiple online shops offering a diverse range of products. A prolific content creator, Meggi produces informative videos on beauty and makeup for her popular social media accounts, amassing a large following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Her self-titled YouTube channel, established in 2020, further showcases her talent and influence in the beauty industry.

Billie Faiers is an English television personality known for her appearances on reality TV series 'The Only Way Is Essex.' She co-owns the fashion company 'Minnies Boutique' with her sister and is a part of the TV show 'The Mummy Diaries.' Billie made headlines for her marriage to entrepreneur Greg Shepherd in March 2019. With a strong social media presence, she has millions of followers on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Billie is represented by talent agency 'Touch Management' for her various professional endeavors.