The real barriers, how we beat them and why it matters for all of us
Eight out of ten young people cannot name a single female entrepreneur. When they hear the word, they are four times more likely to picture a man. That’s not just a statistic – it’s a mirror held up to a culture that has yet to fully see, support or celebrate what women in business actually achieve.
The potential is enormous. Here in the North East, women are starting businesses, building ideas and backing themselves every day. And yet, just 20% of UK businesses are female led – not because women lack ambition, but because the conditions to start, grow and succeed have rarely been built with them in mind.
The numbers tell a story. But the real story is in the room.
This Growth Lab brings together women who have started, built and grown businesses in Sunderland and the wider North East – to talk honestly about what it actually takes, what gets in the way, and what we can all do to change it.
Whether you’re a woman with a business idea you haven’t acted on yet, a founder already on the journey, a business adviser, funder, or simply someone who believes this region grows stronger when everyone gets a fair shot – this event is for you.
All are welcome. Because unlocking women’s entrepreneurial potential isn’t a women’s issue – it’s a North East opportunity.
Why you can't miss this
This session will help you
- Understand the real barriers facing women entrepreneurs in the North East – and what’s working to overcome them
- Hear honest, first-hand stories from women who have started and grown businesses in this region
- Explore what better support, better networks and better culture actually looks like in practice
- Leave with something you can act on – whether you’re a founder, an adviser or a champion of change
Meet the speakers
Keynote Speaker
Laura Brunton
Business Coach and Founder
A Sunderland lass and University of Sunderland graduate – and this summer, after 21 years living across the UK and Australia, she’s coming home. In the years in between, she built a multi six-figure global coaching business from scratch, during a pandemic, while raising three young children. Over five years she has coached more than 1,000 women to grow profitable businesses they love and created a free global community that has supported over 3,000 female founders. Laura brings real talk, infectious energy and a bold belief that more women belong in business.
The Panel
We’re bringing together a panel of inspiring entrepreneurs to share the realities of being a woman entrepreneur in the North East, celebrate the progress being made, and explore how we can strengthen the support, networks and culture that enable more women to thrive.
Louise Kennedy
Managing Director of Oculus HR
Louise Kennedy FCIPD is an award-winning HR leader, speaker and founder of Oculus HR, one of the North East’s leading HR consultancies. After turning redundancy into opportunity in 2013, she built the business from the ground up while raising a family. Today, Oculus supports more than 400 organisations, and Louise is a passionate advocate for ethical leadership, workplace wellbeing and women in business.
Zoe Chandler
Founder of Weights & Cakes
Zoe Chandler is the founder of Weights & Cakes CIC, a Sunderland-based community gym and award-winning social enterprise that uses weightlifting to improve health, confidence and social inclusion. A British Weightlifting coach and multiple-time Masters champion, Zoe is passionate about creating accessible, supportive spaces where people of all ages and abilities can thrive, connect and reach their potential.
Your hosts
Debbie Simpson
Laura Middleton
The event will be hosted by Debbie Simpson, Business Adviser and Growth Lab facilitator at the North East BIC, who has championed the Growth Lab series from the very beginning – and Laura Middleton, BIC Board Member, Business Owner & Investor who built her own digital business from the ground up right here in Sunderland. Two women who know this region, know what it takes, and will make sure the conversation in the room is as open and useful as possible.
What is Growth Lab Sunderland?
A free events series from North East BIC, built around real people sharing real experiences — informal, honest, and held at venues across the city. Growth means different things to different people. It might be more profit with less stress, a stronger network, or simply feeling more confident about the road ahead. Come with your questions. Leave with something you can actually use.
Book your place
Growth Lab Sunderland: From AI Assistants to AI Agents
Date: Friday 5th June 2026, 9:00 - 12:30
Venue: Roker Hotel, Roker Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 9ND
Cost: Free
Priority is given to businesses in the Sunderland City Council area. Not based in Sunderland? Complete the form above to add your name on the waiting list and we’ll be in touch if there’s space. We’d love to see you there if possible!
