Avon UK’s latest research on women entrepreneurs has revealed that nearly a third of British women face significant obstacles when starting their businesses, starting from worries about accessing finance to doubts about where to begin, and a serious lack of confidence. The study has brought to the spotlight that 33% of women entrepreneurs feel that the business landscape belongs to men whereas 23% feel that they are presented with much fewer opportunities than their men counterparts.

In the role of Chief Inspiration Officer, Sara Davies will undertake masterclasses and workshops for the Avon reps to help them overcome the challenges they face in their careers. Her role is to inspire and equip women to run their businesses effectively and confidently.

Sara expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am thrilled to join Avon UK as its first Chief Inspiration Officer and to work with both budding and existing Avon Reps who have the hunger to build and run their own business, on their own terms. The research certainly chimes with many of the barriers I came up against when starting up my own business, and I know they persist today and can seem insurmountable.”

Avon has supported good change for women for more than 137 years by giving them the skills and resources they need to launch profitable enterprises. Avon Representatives take pleasure in having the freedom to work for themselves, grow into Leadership roles, and manage and grow their own teams.

Tracey Powers, UK Sales Director at Avon, remarked, “We need to do more to help women overcome the barriers they often face when setting out to start their own business and embracing a working pattern which works for them. Avon’s business model enables Reps to have greater choice, flexibility, and freedom to take control of their finances and realise their potential.”

Reflecting on her journey, Sara added, “The world of work has changed. The rigid 9-5, which is notoriously difficult for mums, has been replaced by more flexible work and being an Avon Rep offers women the option to put the hours in whenever suits them. The country is filled with women from all walks of life with entrepreneurial flair and potential, so unlocking this would pay dividends for the economy and give it a much-needed boost.”