From working lass to business leader – backing women entrepreneurs in the North East
Date published:
By Joanne Clough, Director of Social Sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group
The North East has always drawn strength from its women.
From the shipyard workers of Tyneside to the miners’ wives who led soup kitchens in Easington, generations of women have shaped the region’s economy, culture and communities. Their contributions – often made quietly, but with immense impact – have been a vital force through times of change and challenge.
That remarkable legacy is being celebrated in Working Lass, a new living archive from Sunderland-based Pink-collar Gallery. The project brings together photographs, oral histories and artefacts to honour the “ordinary, incredible” women whose stories have often gone untold. More than just a tribute to the past, Working Lass is a living, evolving portrait of women’s resilience, creativity and influence across the North East.
This recognition feels especially relevant today. Because while the women of previous generations are finally receiving the attention they deserve, many of today’s women – particularly those building businesses – are still navigating uneven ground.
Our Women Entrepreneurs: The Northern Perspective 2024 research* highlights both progress and continuing challenges. Around a quarter of women founders in the region say they sometimes struggle to be taken seriously in business, and nearly half feel that there are still barriers to opportunity. While these numbers point to areas that need attention, they also reflect the determination many women show in pursuing their goals.
Having spent 23 years at Lloyds, all based in the North East, I’ve built my career around championing and supporting women in business, first through two decades in SME relationship management, and more recently in strategic roles focused on addressing structural barriers faced by underserved business communities. In my current position, I lead initiatives that create more inclusive economic opportunities, including representing the bank on the Invest in Women Taskforce.
This depth of experience has shaped my perspective on the systemic challenges that persist. What’s clear is the emphasis should be less on what women need to do, and more on how support structures must evolve around them. Issues such as access to finance, visibility of role models, and the demands of unpaid caregiving continue to influence the entrepreneurial journey. Encouragingly, we are seeing signs of positive cultural change, with fewer women today citing societal perceptions as a barrier compared to previous years. But intent must be matched with action if that progress is to be sustained.
That’s where collaboration comes in – between government, industry and community.
We’re fortunate to have advocates like Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson MP – herself from Houghton-le-Spring – who understands the importance of inclusive growth. Equally, grassroots initiatives like The Lifted Project, with five regional boards including one in Newcastle, where I’m proud to serve on the board, are helping to create real momentum. By connecting women with mentors, funders and business networks, the project is helping unlock the potential of women-led businesses with strong growth ambitions.
Support needs to be practical – whether that’s writing a business plan, building a supply chain, developing digital confidence or sharpening negotiation skills. It’s also about offering encouragement and belief: “You can do this and here’s how we’ll help.”
At Lloyds Banking Group, we’re focused on creating the conditions for that belief to flourish. From improving access to finance and providing free training through Lloyds Bank Academy, to ensuring our own leadership reflects the communities we serve, we’re committed to making a meaningful difference.
The women of the North East have always been builders – of families, businesses, and better futures. Today, they continue to lead, create and inspire across every part of the economy. And we’ll be there to back them – not just in principle, but in practice.
*Data taken from Lloyds’ Women Entrepreneurs: The Northern Perspective 2024 research