Two Norfolk businesswomen have been recognised as some of the leading women in social enterprise.
Two Norfolk businesswomen have been recognised as some of the leading women in social enterprise.
Heidi Fisher, director of Make an Impact CIC, and Rebecca White, director of Your Own Place CIC, were included on a list of the 100 most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, and social innovation.
Women in Social Enterprise (WISE100) is a new initiative by NatWest.
Miss Fisher, 41, from East Harling, has been working with social enterprises and charities for 20 years and has helped more than 1,600 people start their own business.
She said: 'It's a great honour to have been included in this list with so many other amazing female social entrepreneurs. I never expected to be recognised on this list, I just do this work because I enjoy it and love the people I get to meet.
'Social enterprise is something women seem to like the idea of because they can have a business that is also doing something good in society.'
Ms White, who lives near Loddon, started her business to help prevent youth homelessness.
The 42-year-old said: 'When you're so involved in the day to day running of an enterprise, it's incredible to be forced to stop and reflect on the impact you may be having.
'We're actually on the map now and that means just one thing - we can reach more young people and make a difference to more lives.
'Social enterprise is a force for social change.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here