A Dorchester author has published a new book to encourage women of all ages to turn their skill, passion or interest into a successful business.

John Smythe has co-written Female Entrepreneurs – The Secrets of Their Success with Ruth Saunders after the pair spent two years interviewing dozens of women.

Many had set up their own companies after being passed over for promotion.

The book includes four Dorset entrepreneurs:

• Sarah Ali Choudhury, from Bournemouth, known as ‘The Curry Queen’.
• Emma Hill, Founder of Redefine Hair Salon in Poundbury.
• Carolyn Hopkins, Founder of Shaftesbury-based cheese shop on wheels The Truckle Truck.
• Alex Beer, Founder of Feed the Soul vegan café in Charminster.

They are among 52 female entrepreneurs from all ages and backgrounds who shared their insights into how they’ve made it work.

Research revealed last month by female networking club AllBright showed that one in four women are setting up their own business as a result of the pandemic.

And despite evidence that women have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus, there’s a renewed sense of optimism among working women.

Yet there remain huge challenges for women setting up their own businesses.

91 per cent of venture capital money continues to fund businesses founded solely by men, with only one per cent invested in businesses founded solely by women.

The new book offers vital insights into how women can start, launch and grow their own businesses in these challenging times, as well as tips on how to stay sane and enjoy the journey.

The 52 female entrepreneurs are at all stages of business.

The aim of the book is to encourage women who have never considered becoming an entrepreneur, as well as women who have considered it but feel constrained by extrinsic and intrinsic barriers.

John Smythe, pictured left, said it was a manifesto for society, government and the corporate world, particularly investors, to recognise and embrace the huge value that female entrepreneurs bring to society and the economy.

He added: “Time and again, we hear from talented women that they’ve been driven from their corporate careers and had to become entrepreneurs out of necessity.

“They are then hampered by the fact that 91 per cent of venture capital money funds businesses founded solely by men.

“It’s time to get serious about creating and supporting a vibrant culture of female entrepreneurship in the UK and unleash this incredible resource for the good of women and society as a whole.”

Co-author Ruth Saunders, pictured right, said: “Throughout history, crises have been pivotal in disrupting society.

“Covid-19 is no exception.

“New entrepreneurs and business models are springing up almost overnight, with people changing careers to solve problems created by the pandemic and prepare for life in the future.

“This is an incredible time for women who have dreamt of being an entrepreneur, but haven’t yet taken the leap, to take their first steps towards realising their goals.”

• ‘Female Entrepreneurs – The Secrets of their Success’  is published in hardback and ebook by Routledge, price £29.99, and is available at bookstores and on Amazon.