Sittingbourne entrepreneur celebrated at International Women’s Day House of Lords event

Sophie Spillett, founder of So-Phi Tuition and SEN Parents in Swale attended a special International Women’s Day reception at the House of Lords on Friday 8th March, recognising her strong contribution to entrepreneurship.

Mrs Spillett, whose business supports local students with special educational needs, mental health or who are impacted in their academic progress by the Covid-19 pandemic, joined inspirational female founders from across the UK who have been selected for Small Business Britain’s annual #iAlso100 line-up.

Forming part of Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur campaign, the #iAlso100 champions the unique impact of multi-achieving female business owners, who lead purpose-driven businesses and support their communities along the way through volunteering, mentoring, and other community initiatives.

Sophie was named as one of ƒ:Entrepreneur’s ‘iAlso100’ this year in recognition of her impressive entrepreneurial journey, which has involved running a business alongside a roster of other responsibilities. As well as running her tuition business and her aforementioned Facebook group “SEN Parents in Swale”, Sophie is a full time carer for her husband, Paul, who cannot work due to disability. She also has a multitude of health conditions which made it difficult for her to maintain full time employment.

Sophie said, “I was truly honored to attend the International Women’s Day event at the House of Lords on 8th March. It has taken me a long time and a lot of hard work to adapt my teaching career into something that is more manageable for me. Being recognized for this by the f:Entrepreneur campaign is incredible and I couldn’t have got to this point without the support of my friends and family. I was fortunate to connect with so many inspirational women at the event and I am excited at what other opportunities this could bring me in the future. I want to inspire others into having the confidence to run their own businesses and dream big, despite what challenges they face.”

The event showcased the powerful contribution of female entrepreneurs to the UK economy, society, and communites. Sophie enjoyed afternoon tea and networking in Westminster, meeting other founders from across the country, as well as special guests which included a group of young female founders working with The Prince’s Trust. Grace Graham, Trust ambassador founder of WorkSpa also gave a powerful guest speech on the importance of International Women’s Day.

Delivered by Small Business Britain—the leading champion of small businesses in the UK—f:Entrepreneur campaign was launched in 2017 to highlight the stories of amazing female business owners and help provide inspiration and role models across the wider small business community. Now in its eight year, the campaign reflects how female entrepreneurs continue to thrive in the UK despite the challenges of the past years, with many scaling or starting new ventures.

“Women are starting businesses in greater numbers than ever and making an essential contribution to our economy, so it is vital that we celebrate and support this,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and the ƒ:Entrepreneur campaign.

“So much has been thrown at women running businesses over the past few years and they have fought back with impressive resilience. This event underlines the importance of nurturing female entrepreneurship so it continues to flourish in the UK, playing a key role in driving growth and recovery. It was fantastic to have amazing women like Mrs Spillett join us to recognise their special value and impact.”