THE chief executive of Reminiscence Learning in Wellington has been crowned one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain.

Small Business Britain is on a mission to increase the number of female entrepreneurs from its current 20 per cent to 30 per cent by 2030.

Part of that drive is the f:Entrepreneur campaign, now in its eighth year, which champions female entrepreneurs.

Fiona Mahoney, who founded Reminiscence Learning in 2003, is being profiled among 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs from across the country, as part of the campaign to celebrate the multi-achievements of women running businesses in the UK today.

In 2018, the f:Entrepreneur campaign launched the #iAlso100, showcasing 100 women from all over the UK who are living the #iAlso life. This is a new approach to the “portfolio” career, taking on many roles, achieving in many different spheres of life and demonstrating that women are paving a new path for what entrepreneurship means.

As part of the award, Fiona will attend the House of Lords in March in celebration of her success in time for International Women’s Day.

The f:Entrepreneur ‘#IAlso100’ line-up particularly showcases trailblazing female founders who lead purpose-driven businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support.

Indeed, Fiona was also called out for Best Businesswoman Award UK Charity Champion 2024.

On being featured in the #ialso100 lineup, Fiona said: “I am overwhelmed and incredibly proud to receive this recognition for both myself and our dementia charity. l am honoured to accept the invitation to celebrate International Women’s Day and to meet the other 99 chosen inspirational women at The House of Lords on March 7.”

Launched in 2017 by Small Business Britain – the leading champion of small businesses in the UK – the f:Entrepreneur campaign aims to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community.

Found of Small Business Britain, Michelle Ovens CBE, said: “It’s wonderful to have Fiona from Reminiscence Learning feature in this year’s #IAlso100 – all of the female entrepreneurs in this year’s line-up are simply phenomenal.

“It is vital that we recognise the impressive contribution of the UK’s female business owners and do all we can to support and encourage them throughout their entrepreneurial journey, from start-up to scale-up. As well as making a huge economic contribution to the UK, female entrepreneurs also create a wider positive impact that ripples across society and local communities too.”

Reminiscence Learning was founded by occupational therapist Fiona Mahoney in 2001 to provide specialised dementia care, activity and reminiscence.

Reminiscence therapy, which includes baking, singing and seated exercise, can help people with dementia improve their memory, attention span, and cognitive functioning. It can also help exercise individuals’ communication skills and positively impact their daily interactions.

Based in Tonedale, Reminiscence Learning also undertake training and community projects in local schools and offices to improve dementia awareness.