Members
Sally Fennemore MBE
President and founding member of Women In Enterprise over 30 years ago, Sally was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to Female Entrepreneurship. She now runs Positive Approach – a successful PR and Event Management Consultancy advising on Networking, Press relations and Sales and mentoring small businesses.
“Putting the right people in the right place at the right time”
Michelle Theuma
Managing Director of Concept Onyx Recruitment, Michelle has twenty six years experience in Executive, Finance & HR Recruitment. Michelle runs the Milton Keynes office and oversees recruitment in the Home Counties and across the UK. With a successful track record in recruiting Permanent, Senior Interim and Temporary positions, Michelle has forged a reputation for providing a professional, supportive and committed service.
Carole Bailey
A financial controller with over 30 years’ experience of senior finance and operational management. I have worked for both corporate international companies as well as local SME’s, in many different sectors including health and fitness, marketing and engineering. I now run my own freelance practice, specialising in sole proprietor and SME’s accounts taking care of all accounting and financial matters, leaving you free to run your business.
Amanda Wright
I’m a founder of local agency Yellowyoyo. We’re a talented and friendly team with heaps of experience. We specialise in Strategy, Brand, Design, Marketing and also Exit.
Through well crafted strategies, totally appropriate, beautifully executed design and well thought out marketing messaging, we make sure that your customers, whoever they are and whatever you sell, find you irresistible.
And importantly, that’s also wherever they find you – online, in print, at an exhibition or in your store. We ensure that your conversation with your audience is targeted, spot on and consistent.
Fran Soleilhac
Fran Soleilhac is a 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan Consultant. The 1:1 Diet is the basis of a flexible range of weight management programs aimed at both men and women. Fran offers a friendly caring consultancy, working with you to tailor a diet that suits your needs and lifestyle as well as a long term weight loss maintenance program.
Sarah Wilkins
Sarah Wilkins is a Solicitor specialising in residential property. Based in Milton Keynes with experience in residential property transactions including Sales, Purchases, Transfers, Remortgages and has a specific interest in first time buyer initiatives. Sarah has specialist knowledge of shared ownership transactions and is recommended by several housing associations to act for purchasers in often complex transactions. With an ability to deal with tight deadlines her files are managed efficiently and effectively which ensures a smooth and stress free transaction.
Sarah Sibley
Sarah works as a Philanthropy Manager at MKCF, a leading grant making charity, sending funding where it is needed most in Milton Keynes. By guiding businesses, philanthropists and charities to the right giving, the MKCF supports many community projects as well as the Women’s fund which WIE fundraise for throughout the year.
Sarah also continues to work part time on her Marketing Consultancy, Market Explorers helping small businesses put the right Marketing foundations in place to grow their businesses.
Heidi Thomas
I’m Heidi and I’m based in Milton Keynes. I joined Usborne Books in October 2004 to give me something that allowed me to be me, but also meant I could be the stay at home Mum I wanted to be to my children who were then 3 and 1 years old. I now have a job that I love and a thriving business, that is still growing! I’ve been on some amazing trips, courtesy of Usborne, and made some truly great friends. With over 20 years experience in teaching and training, my favourite part of my job, is supporting others to grow and develop their skills, self confidence, and their businesses. It really is very rewarding!
Katherine Kentish
I’m the Founder of Healthy Horizons Ltd, we specialise in private medical insurance and protection insurance for both families and businesses. Established in 2010, we have a wealth of knowledge of the health insurance industry and work closely with our clients to source the right policy to meet their needs. We assist with paperwork and claims queries and enjoy negotiating with insurers at policy inception and subsequent renewals to get the best price. It’s important to us that our clients have an excellent experience, one they are happy to recommend to
Stephanie Thannhauser
I’m an illustrator, designer and teacher. My art is quirky and will hopefully make you smile. You will have seen my designs on lots of different products including books, fabrics and greeting cards. I also teach various workshops around the area, enabling me to share my love of creativity.
stephthannhauser.com
Maria Gallucci
Maria Gallucci is a specialist employment lawyer at Woodfines’ Milton Keynes office. She advises on a broad range of employment issues advising on redundancy scenarios, disciplinaries and grievances; drafting and negotiating Settlement Agreements; and, providing representation on Employment Tribunal claims.
Lindsay McInnis
Experienced family Chiropractor in central Milton Keynes helping you to feel and function your best by enhancing your nervous system. We provide exceptional care to everyone and have a special interest in pregnant women, babies and children.
MK Snap
MK Snap is a charity working with adults with learning disabilities from our purpose built centre in MK with a fabulous café. We support over 130 adults through a transformational programme of education, life skills and work training. We are corporate members of WIE and our vision is to transform our community through the promotion of independence, inspiration and opportunity.
Janthea Brigden
Since 1992, Nipperbout has grown from a boutique family business to a nationally recognised, award winning company that cares for over 10,000, children a year. Since inception, we’ve provided childcare for a huge range of blue chip clients, many of whom have remained with us from the start. This demonstrates the benefits of strong values, excellent standards and the ability to keep ahead of industry developments. 2017 sees exciting plans to roll out the international business and the launch of new Nipperbout Training modules – making events everywhere happier and safer places to be.
Theresa Mercer
I’m Theresa Mercer, I set up my own niche online Scottie dog gift shop called The Hector Company, based around my own design which went viral in 2019. Originally for Scottie dog lovers to shop with Scottitude for gifts and original artwork, now we offer gifts featuring a range of loved breeds. Treat yourself & your loved ones with our range of gifts & goodies for dog lovers.
Jane Russell
Jane Russell – Promoting your business through imagery is my business.
Jane is an experienced photographer who trained as a photo journalist in the newspaper industry for over 35 years. With that wealth of experience, Jane is the one stop shop for all your business photographs. From strong imagery for your website to head-shots and social media. Jane also covers events and conferences and is happy to do location shoots outside or in your office/home.
Heather Hannaby
With 20 years experience in events before establishing Ellievision AV in 2018, I wanted to offer our clients something a little different – to be the temporary AV extension to their team. We work with agencies, designers, councils, charities, brands and individuals. We delight audiences and bring communities together with outdoor LED screens perfect for cinema experiences or live streaming sports and music.
If you need staging, lighting, sound system, big screen or power, I can help.
Emily Pool
I am an Independent Financial Planner and am able to help with various areas of financial planning, such as pensions – whether you are wishing to review and consolidate what you already have, start a new plan, or are wanting to retire – investment – tax efficient lump sum or regular investment, inheritance tax planning, and protection needs. As the name suggests, I love to help clients invest in line with their values, so their growing wealth can have a real impact on people and planet. At whatever stage you are in life, I would be delighted to help you rethink and reorganise your finances – in an ethical and sustainable way.
Amanda Marlow
Amanda joined Data and AI specialists; Aiimi in September 2023 to help lead and expand their Business Development, after retiring as an elected member of Milton Keynes City Council. Amanda served as Mayor of Milton Keynes 2022/23 connecting businesses in MK and helping forge alliances across all sectors within business, charities, and community groups.
Amanda also played a key role in helping Milton Keynes achieve city status in 2022. Amanda was a Women Leaders Winner 2023 and is a Trustee of Milton Keynes Museum, the Business lead for Milton Keynes Conservative Federation, a school governor at The Redway School, and a volunteer fundraiser for both the MK Hospital Charity and MK SNAP.
Sue Garner
Since June 2000, Sue has designed and delivered award-winning training that enables you to deliver exceptional results. Whether it’s developing your managers, winning more business through persuasive presentations or improving personal effectiveness and impact, she can help. Sue also has a wealth of expertise in creating and delivering virtual solutions – get in touch for help with virtual presentations, team facilitation, creating online training courses, delivering training remotely. Developing excellence in Individuals, Teams and Business through workshops, coaching, profiling and online training, Sue melds her business experience, training background, NLP coaching and a dash of humour to give you practical, interactive, training events that achieve the results you need.
Lisa Buckridge
Lisa is a family law specialist and is committed to finding best solutions for her clients to suit their circumstances. In addition to her role as a solicitor, Lisa is a Resolution trained family law mediator enabling her to further assist people experiencing family law issues by acting as their mediator. As mediator Lisa brings her extensive family law experience to assist couples in taking ownership of their issues and coming to an agreement in a safe and managed way.
Sarah Osoba
With a background in commercial property and marketing, I joined the team at The Park MK as their Lifestyle Marketing Manager in November 2021. My role is to create the best amenities for customers to enjoy when not at their desks. Think cupcake giveaways, fitness classes, improved landscaping and guest speakers. I became a member of WiE to tap into fantastic local businesses to promote and use at the business park.
Julia Coggins
I am a coach, facilitator, and creator of Mind Spa Events, with a passion for positive psychology. I work alongside people to help them gain insight, set goals and make transformative change, leading them to living happier and more fulfilled lives.
Julia Brightman
At Creme Brew Lait we specialise in creating quality freshly made food in the private and corporate sectors. Delivered or fully set up and served on vintage China. Offering Buffets, Afternoon Teas, bespoke biscuit design and we create gift boxes for all occasions
Odette Mould
Odette Mould MBE founded Harry’s Rainbow in memory of her son following his death in 2009. During the 12 years Harry’s Rainbow has been operating, Odette has learned experience from every aspect of managing an organisation, that supports hundreds of bereaved children annually, as well as raising her 2 school aged children and a young adult (Harry’s twin). Passionate about raising the awareness of the needs for bereaved children, Odette has been awarded an MBE, and won SME Lockdown Leader, BAA Entrepreneur of the year and Women Leaders Community Impact Employed awards
Tiffany Benson
Tiffany qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and now heads the Contentious Trusts and Probate team at Tollers LLP. Tiffany is a full member of The Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), meaning she is a recognised specialist in the niche legal area of disputed wills, trusts and estates. Tiffany has experience in dealing with claims at both mediation and through to trial.
Wendy Dooley
Wendy is a Personal Colour Analyst and Stylist and she is an expert in helping you find the colours that really make you shine! Wendy also provides styling advice, helping you to understand how to dress your body shape and how to communicate who you are through the way you dress!
Sarah Watt
Sarah is an award winning property developer & landlord and runs Alt Street Property Group which includes developments, project management & lettings. Originally from Australia, Sarah has been in the property industry since 2011 and runs a portfolio of properties across Australia and the UK, specialising in Co-living HMOs in Northampton and pet friendly, family lets in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Lindsey Charlesworth
Lindsey is your ray of sunshine in the world of HR. With a warm smile and a passion for people, She offers expert HR Director support, tailored specifically for SMEs in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. More than that, she also craft personalised recruitment solutions for businesses who share her commitment to positive social impact and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, she’s so dedicated to making a difference that she will donate up to 50% of her placement fee to charity, aligning your values with meaningful causes. If you are ready to build a brighter, more impactful future for your business, together? Let’s chat!
Nikki Ross
Nikki has previously been a senior police officer, serving within the Thames Valley and retiring in 2019. She is now the Chief Exec of Hope After Harm, a local charity. The charity works within the Criminal Justice Sector focusing on providing support, advice and guidance for people who have been impacted by the Justice System. Nikki is always looking for volunteers to support the charity and she is a trustee and the mentoring lead for Women Leaders a local charity mentoring and supporting women in their career ambitions. Nikki is a single mum, fighting to come to terms with an empty nest and a very recent ADHD diagnosis.
Helen Westwood
Helen is an online Maths tutor, specialising in GCSE Maths tuition, but who works with students from age 7 upwards to develop their confidence and understanding with Maths.
After 20 years in the classroom, she founded Helen Westwood Maths and now provides online tuition to both home educated and school based students.
Helen is also passionate about financial education and is a freelance workshop consultant for The Money Charity.
Clare Deacon
Clare is a Trauma-Informed Positive Psychology Coach and Therapist helping transform people’s lives from being stuck, overwhelmed, and discontent, hindered by past trauma into being confident, energised, and focused ready to fulfil their potential.
She helps people transform their lives, including those who have suffered from trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and low self-esteem. Using a variety of tools, clients can discover and unlock their potential, feeling empowered to take action.
She is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author, Public Speaker, and Podcast Host. She holds a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching, is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist, EFT practitioner, and is qualified in counselling skills.
Helen Christopher
Helen is a Chartered Accountant and business coach with over 30 years’ experience supporting start and owner managed businesses with all their tax and accounting needs and founder of Beansprout. Passionate about the importance of business owners understanding their numbers and having clarity over their finances, Helen works with business owners throughout the year, not just at the year end, ensuring that they have all the financial insights and business mentoring they need to achieve successful businesses and financial freedom. Using a unique blend of numbers, narrative formed from the story the numbers tell and nurture of the business owner, Helen and the Beansprout team are the perfect support and cheerleader for any small company.
Rachel Mendham
Rachel is a therapist at The Youth Fairy, a team of solution focused practitioners dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of young people struggling with anxiety, stress, anger issues and confidence.
Her modern, evidence-based approach to therapy actively encourages children and young people to re-focus more on the positive aspects of their lives, recognise strengths and capabilities, improve quality of sleep, and engage more in positive activities and interact with others.
She also help them understand how their brain works to create these specific problems, what we can do about it to make positive change and how they can develop more mentally healthy behaviours in the future.
Tina Foster
Meet Tina, the Managing Director at 1st Financial Foundations. An Independent Financial Advice firm in Milton Keynes with over 100 years combined experience in Wealth planning, Making Your Money Work for You. Her team offers expert guidance in Pension, Retirement, Savings & Investment strategies, as well as comprehensive services in Wills, Trusts, and Tax planning. They’re committed to delivering professional excellence while helping clients achieve their financial objectives with confidence.
Tina believes in giving back and is a supporter of Wells on Wheels, a charity empowering women and girls in India to have a brighter future. Ask her how the wheel works and how her team can help you get out of the rat race!
Andreea Matyas
Andreea is an Independent Mortgage Adviser who specialises in helping the self-employed. She prides herself in hand holding her clients throughout their mortgage journey, helping first time buyers to property portfolio landlords. If you need a Re-mortgage or new Rate, Andreea has access to the whole of the mortgage market and is able to find the best deal available. She can help you decide whether to go for a fixed, variable, discounted, or tracker rate, depending on your individual requirements. Obtaining a suitable mortgage quickly and at a competitive rate
Linda Siso
Linda is the MD of Anele an independent growth and transformation consulting company.
A seasoned business leader with over 30 years experience, in general management, project management (including change management), strategic planning, sales and marketing and business development. Linda works with blue chip international organisations in manufacturing and tech industries.
She has a wealth of qualifications and is also a certified Workplace Coach and Business Mentor for the UK Government Help to Grow management programme.
Daxa Patel
Daxa is a HR professional with over 25 years of experience providing expert advice on redundancy, restructuring, changing terms and conditions, carrying out investigations, disciplinary, grievance, providing employee handbooks, contract of employments etc for small businesses. Daxa has been part of senior leadership teams providing both strategic and operational advice on employee matters in the public, private and not-for-profit sector.
Sarah Mills
Sarah’s company is called Global and Inclusive. She is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion specialist, supporting growing companies to be successful by ensuring all their employees can thrive and develop! If you’re interested for your business, or your clients might be interested, please get in touch.
Hannah Klewpatinond
Experienced hairstylist with an HR background, mother of three and business owner. Hannah’s business, HK Hair & Wellness, is proud to be an inclusive, accessible, and award-winning sustainable space offering industry excellence in service areas of hairdressing, beauty therapy and wellness.
Renu Elston
Renu is the founder of Profectus Bookkeeping Services.
Profectus work closely with Small and Growing businesses and our aim is to become the eyes and ears when it comes to your numbers.
Our approach is to provide a bespoke service to fit in with the needs of our clients and to maintain efficient accounts.
Allowing you the time to concentrate on your business for growth and ensuring you have the numbers you need to be in control of your business.
Audra Sakaliene
Audra is a friendly and down-to-earth financial planner, dedicated to helping her clients achieve their financial goals. Her expertise lies in creating tailored solutions to guide you through different financial milestones. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, saving for your children’s education, or aiming to grow your wealth, Audra is here to offer sound advice and assistance at every stage of the journey.
Sophie Garner
Sophie is a professional singer, vocal coach, brain injury music specialist, published author, speaker and choir leader. She completed an MA degree on 2019 on the benefits of singing on mental health and wellness. Her revolves around music as the medium to improve people’s lives on many different levels. She is also the director of her CIC Take a Deep Breath™
Vicky Wilson
Vicky is a Naturopathic Nutritionist and Homeopath specialising in women’s hormonal health and gut health, helping her clients increase energy, manage weight, improve sleep quality, and mood using food and lifestyle changes. She offers accountability and support, creating personalised food plans for sustainable results in busy lives. She can arrange food intolerance testing. She runs group programmes and offers nutrition talks to companies and groups.
Michelle Joy Sullivan
Michelle is a Personal Concierge with over 20 years’ experience as a Personal and Virtual Assistant. She is committed to enhancing productivity and quality of life through personalized, efficient service. With Michelle as your Personal Concierge, you can focus on achieving your goals while she takes care of the rest.
Kate Broadhurst
Kate is the CEO at Willen Hospice, she has lived in Milton Keynes for over 15 years, with her husband and 3 children, and is passionate about making a difference to our local community. Kate joined Willen following a 23 year career with the John Lewis Partnership where she held various leadership positions. Kate has also held various Board Director positions in both the voluntary and private sector, all based in Milton Keynes.
Alexandra Willingale
Alexandra runs Extra Help Milton Keynes offering a domestic cleaning and home help service to the whole of Milton Keynes and surrounding villages. Her team are passionate about helping people and making a difference in the community; allowing busy professionals and people who are time poor to do more of what they love. We also enable elderly people to remain independent in their own homes by supporting them with housekeeping and shopping assistance or just being there for some companionship.
Hannah Pryce
Howes Percival is a leading Commercial law firm in Milton Keynes, having won the “Professional Services award category at the MKBAA’s in 2023.
Hannah is a Partner and provides specialist advice in employment law, HR and tribunal litigation.
She is renowed for her “good, down to earth advice” and also delivers in house training for clients as well as EDI training within Howes Percival.
Candice Mason
Candice is the founder of Mother Cuppa, a range of herbal tea’s blended to support women through the life cycle of changing hormones and busy lives,
Through her personal experience she has turned her knowledge of herbs and plants to develop a blend of teas that support health issues such as sleep, energy, anxiety, and endometriosis.
“A tea for each step of the day”
Bleu Wildman
Bleu is a trainee Solicitor at Austin & Carnley Solicitors. Austin & Carnley have two offices in both Leighton Buzzard and Ampthill and have specialised solicitors in areas including: Private Client, Family, Criminal Defence, Conveyancing and Employment. Bleu hase been at Austin & Carnley for just over a year and is currently undergoing her training in the Private Client Department. She can assist in various areas including Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney’s, Deputyship’s, Probate and Estate Planning.
Michelle Bailey
Michelle is a travel expert and business owner who is part of the Travel Counsellors group.
If you struggle to find time to plan your travel she can help research, plan and book tailor-made, personalised travel itineraries, business travel and holidays to pretty much anywhere, including UK weekend breaks, package holidays with the likes of Jet2 & EasyJet, cruises, skiing, adventure holidays right through to multi location dream holidays.
Tendai Annah Rukarwa
Tendai is a Chartered accountant with over 10 years of experience in audit and accounting. Working in various jurisdictions and across diverse industries arms her with a wealth of knowledge in finance and risk management. Currently she works within the Audit and Risk department at Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
Her passion is equipping young people with financial education to give them skills, tools and confidence to make wise financial decisions.
She is studying towards a Master of Business Administration and serves on the board of directors for University of Northampton with a focus on the Audit and Risk committee.
Kerry Lewis Stevenson
Kerry Lewis-Stevenson, a CIM-qualified marketer, co-owns Pulse Group Media, publishing Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire’s leading lifestyle and business magazines. Focused on sharing local stories that engage and inform the community, Pulse Group Media also organises B2B exhibitions and networking events, helping local businesses grow through advertising and valuable connections.
The group also run the publications, Business MK and MK Pulse where people can stay updated with what’s going on locally.
Anne Powders
Anne is a dedicated skin, lifestyle coach and therapist passionate about empowering women to nourish and thrive through menopause and beyond.
Through her personalised approach combining skin treatments, tailored coaching and empowering self-care practices, she helps women embrace this chapter with confidence.
Julia Rogerson
Retiring from Willen Hospice in December 2012 after 20yrs of fundraising, the last 6yrs of which I managed a successful Events and Promotions team, I choose to re-enter the third sector as a volunteer for the Milton Keynes Hospital Charity with the emphasis on raising awareness of their work and fundraising appeals within the local community. My current focus is supporting their Cancer Unit Appeal as we want to do the best we can now for patients and in years to come our children and their children can have access to excellent cancer treatment.