A Saffron Walden-based theatre company founder has been crowned one of the UK's most impressive female entrepreneurs.
Sarah Ellis, CEO and founder of Theatre Inspiring Change, is being profiled among 100 entrepreneurs as part of Small Business Britain's ‘f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100’ campaign.
The campaign celebrates female-run businesses, ranging from tradeswoman platforms, sustainable fashion designers and AI companies.
Theatre Inspiring Change has worked with more than 90,000 young people and adults in schools, organisations, businesses, prisons and within the community.
The company is currently touring Colchester with a Home Office-funded play called Stronger Together, which aims to challenge the narrative which excuses violence against women and girls.
Sarah said: "With the rise of toxic influencers such as Andrew Tate, we more than ever, need to have courageous conversations and explore our own bias as well as the bias or others and help to build a culture of empathy, empowerment, and respect.
"Doing this through theatre ensures a safe space to make change and combat hate and inspire equality.
"So when I hear 'It’s just the way it is'. We can reply with 'NO... it may be how it used to be but no more'.
"It’s time to change. And we are the theatre inspires that change."
Sarah's dedication to her community impressed the f:Entrepreneur judges, who recognise women who make a significant contribution to the community in addition to running a business.
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, said: "It is so important that we call out the incredible contribution of women running businesses across the UK.
"As well as growing economic prosperity across the UK, they are also having a tremendous, wider positive impact on local communities too."
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Sarah has previously been selected as 'Best Charity Champion' in the UK-wide Best Business Women Awards and the National Diversity Awards.
She said: "It’s important, now more than ever, for small businesses to support the community and to give back as much as possible.
"I am delighted to receive this recognition and I do hope it inspires other women to start a business and business to get involved in the community."
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