Whether you're a full time career women or juggling work and children, managing a larger company or running your own business from home, being in business will always have its ups and downs.

We were thrilled to be interviewed by Aspire magazine for their summer 2022 edition. We give our top tips for women in business as well as a little bit about our business in general.

Prior to setting up and running Great Yorkshire Hampers I worked for over 15 years in various well known Advertising agencies, back in the day, as a young project manager I ran many high profile accounts and unfortunately had my fair share of male prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination. The older and wiser I've become, the more intolerant I now am of it and have grown in confidence to notice and challenge any phycological oppression.

A noticeable theme was the inability for some men to accept that a women, (especially a young women) could come up with a good and unique idea. It meant I had to be very good at documenting minute meeting notes and stating very clearly who had said what in order to get the recognition deserved. Project management was also a very tricky role to master when dealing with some male colleagues who were allowed to be openly rude and unpleasant with zero comeuppance from management or other team members.

I've been told I am a good chameleon. Apparently this is a sign of high emotional intelligence - the ability to manage emotions and navigate complex situations to support colleagues and manage behaviours and expectations well.

According to Forbes, the top three female communication strengths are: the ability to read body language and nonverbal cues; good listening skills; and effective displays of empathy. Women use these skills as powerful leaders in the workplace to open discussions and speak from a place of trust and transparency. Such skills also help at the negotiating table, where we can read the situation and apply that knowledge to advance mediation.‍

‍According to the Caliper study of the Qualities that Distinguish Women Leaders, women leaders are more assertive and persuasive; have a stronger need to get things done; and are more willing to take risks than male leaders. This approach to leadership helps women better facilitate collaboration and information-sharing. Women often choose to discuss possible solutions with more people and, in turn, gain more facts and perspectives. Combine this with a keen sense of nonverbal communication, and it’s no surprise that women are better positioned to make informed decisions to solve problems.

Great Yorkshire Hampers was set up and is run by a mother and daughter team (Lorraine and Hayley Dunn) from Addingham near Ilkley in Yorkshire. With kindness, care and consideration at the heart of the company, Its been liberating to bring our own ideas and passion to the table without holding back.

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"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."
Michelle Obama