According to Companies House data compiled by Prowess, only 19.1% of active UK companies are female-led. This is a shame, as The Rose Review states that up to £250 billion of new value could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men. While there are clear benefits to women starting businesses and stepping into leadership roles, the path to achieving these goals is often fraught with unique difficulties – making it even more important to shine a spotlight the women breaking barriers and driving change.
The Power of Passion
Paula Elliott, Managing Director and Founder of C8 Consulting, reflects on her journey to success. “I founded C8 Consulting in 2004 with a toddler in tow, while pregnant with my second child. I had a vision for the life I wanted to give my family, and a business that reflected my beliefs and values. My firm belief in the importance of giving back, supporting other peoples’ careers, and my passion for storytelling were all key principles that I wanted the agency to embody.”
Since then, C8 Consulting has grown with over 20 successful years in business to provide services including strategic PR, a Content and Design Studio, Research Bureau, and social media management. Deeply entrenched in both the technology and PR industries, driving growth and innovation, C8 is also a CMS-accredited member of the PRCA and sponsor of the Sphere Network.
Navigating Challenges
As with any business journey, there were naturally peaks and troughs, but a significant challenge was navigating young family life whilst nurturing the business. “There were difficult moments where I’d have to miss school plays, Carol Concerts, or Sports Days, which were tough decisions,” Paula continues. “On the other hand, I had to learn to establish non-negotiable family commitments and set clear boundaries with work and home life.”
“However, the main challenge for me was self-belief,” says Paula. Without a co-founder, every business decision, whether good or bad, ultimately fell on my shoulders and I had to own those decisions. Further, with a whole team behind me, I had to move forward with confidence and drive great results. This left little room for doubt or procrastination, a high demand for self-confidence, drive and motivation and a realisation that I had to be unapologetic about my priorities.”
Driving Disruption
C8 Consulting is now a well-established business, but the work doesn’t stop here. Looking ahead, Paula is focused on the continued expansion of C8 Consulting, team development, and winning more industry awards. “I’m also interested in exploring how AI can enhance C8 Consulting’s operations, to reinforce its position as a forward-thinking agency that maximises value for clients,” says Paula.
“Beyond this, giving back is important to me and I’m actively supporting charitable causes such as Action for Children (AfC) in preventing youth homelessness, and DiversITy-Talent, who are striving to create a more diverse workforce by introducing technology careers to underrepresented groups,” adds Paula. “I’m also keen to increase my contributions to thought leadership within C8 Consulting’s PR and technology network, to share the insights and expertise I’ve gathered over the 20 years of being in business.”
“The best advice I’d give to anyone else looking to make their own mark in the industry is to be resilient, accept that disruption meets resistance, and stay true to your vision,” concludes Paula.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve gender equality in business. By celebrating women’s contributions and advocating for mentorship and allyship, we can accelerate action to get more women into business and leadership positions.
Forward-thinking, disruptive companies drive economic growth and innovation. If you’re looking for a PR partner that understands your vision, do get in touch.