Less than three weeks to go to the 2018 Festival of Female Entrepreneurs

It's less than three weeks to the epic Festival of Female Entrepreneurs, which will see hundreds of women self-starters descend on Bristol on Friday October 19.

The day-long annual event, now in its seventh year, is aimed at supporting women to build and grow sustainable businesses.

Keynote speaker this year will be British ceramics entrepreneur Emma Bridgewater, who set up her business in 1985, single handedly sparking a revival in British-made pottery.  In her first year she turned over £30,000, but by 2010 that had risen to £11m.  Her firm now employs 350 people and exports all over the world.

Emma said: "I am delighted to be a part of the Festival of Female Entrepreneurs, a lovely event that supports women starting businesses in Britain, something I am very passionate about. It is sure to be an interesting day, and I look forward to hearing what the participants are working on."

Other inspiring speakers include Jaya Chakravarti, MBE, founder of Bristol-based digital strategy firm Nameless and open data supply chain register TISCreport.org and 70-year-old social media manager Angela Laws, who runs Trusted Housesitter.

There will also be a chance to hear about how to get investment with Bev James, the woman behind the business success of Joe Wicks, the Body Coach.

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation said: "This event is a celebration of all the talented women out there who are starting and running world-class businesses across Britain.

"They are challenging themselves at every turn and the Festival of Female Entrepreneurs will help them find inspiration, network and pick up new skills and ideas to take them to the next level."

Data in 2016 revealed a significant gender gap when it comes to people starting businesses - with just one fifth of Britain's 5.4 million small firms are started by women. Enterprise Nation is working with partners to help women beat the so-called 'confidence curve' women face between the ages of 25-39 and get access to finance.

As part of that effort the Female Start-Up of the year award, which takes place at the event, with the chance to win business boosting prizes including mentoring and £500 in Facebook advertising.

The event takes place at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel in Broad Street. For tickets go to www.enterprisenation.com/festival