Celebrating 1066 Country's women-owned, co-owned and women-run businesses this International Women's Day

International Women's Day (8th March 2025) is a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across the world. We are shining a light on the inspiring women that help shape 1066 Country.

We are lucky to represent so many women-owned, co-owned and women-run businesses within our membership. From independent shops and creative studios to thriving accommodation providers and well-known attractions as well as other exciting enterprises, they are all at the heart of 1066 County.

We managed to catch-up with a handful of our members and get the inside scoop on their inspirations, what International Women's Day means to them as well as their advice to their young self and the future women leaders! Read on to find out what they had to say...

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Sarah Broadbent, Swallowtail Hill

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

"I see very many women hold themselves back from opportunities by thinking they ‘aren’t good enough’ – they constantly compare and find themselves lacking, they haven’t the right skills, experience and so on. This is rarely the case; it’s nearly always just lack of confidence. My one piece of advice for women of all ages, but particularly those just embarking on their careers – is that their good instincts and strongly held values should be the foundation of everything they do. Skills can be learned, experience can be gained – but our values are at our very core and if we use them as our compass, that’s where our confidence and our unique strengths lie."

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Tess Swan, The Crown Hastings

Tess Swan is the co-owner of The Crown Hastings - an award-winning independent freehouse in the heart of Hastings Old Town offering high quality food and drink since 2014. 

Tell us something that makes you proud of your business?

"I am proud of owning a pub business that hosts many fantastic female-led businesses throughout each week. Examples include our Wellness Collectives, Children groups, Crafting, Knitting, Bracelet making, book clubs, culture clubs and much more."

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Judith Blincow, The Mermaid Inn

Judith is the Managing Director and Owner of The Mermaid Inn in Rye. She has been for the past 32 years and has been an employee of the business since 1983. The Mermaid is led by two Women, with 50% of the workforce being women, who ensure The Mermaid remains a vibrant and successful business.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

"The advice I would give to the next generation of female leaders is stand your ground and don't be bullied.  It you believe in something go with it - believe in yourself!"

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Hannah Stuart-Leach, Starcroft Farm Cabins

Hannah created and runs Starcroft Farm Cabins. Their historical hideaways are inspired by women connected to nearby Battle Abbey during three different eras. Having studied women’s history, and then worked in travel, Hannah wanted to offer visitors to 1066 Country a unique and inspiring experience beyond the famous battle. Each cabin features specially commissioned art, curated bookshelves and a stargazing window above the bed.
Tell us something that makes you proud of your business?

"As well as being open to guests year-round, we also run writing retreats. I’m proud that in telling the forgotten stories of women of the past, I’ve created a supportive space where women today can feel comfortable telling their own stories. We offer quiet, creative time amid nature, away from daily distractions and the mental load. Last year we collaborated with Motherhood Uncensored on a writing competition, which was a very moving experience. The theme was ‘Things Left Unsaid’, and a book featuring 35 of the authors will be published on March 17th."

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Kristin Syltevik, Oxney Organic Estate

Kristin owns an organic vineyard near Rye (East Sussex) called Oxney. They make sparkling and still wines in the winery on the estate.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you / your team?

"It means celebrating women. For sure women’s conditions and rights are there in the western countries but in many countries across the world women are still hugely disadvantaged and we need to fight for them."

What advice would you give to your younger self?

"I should have started working for myself earlier. When I started out pre-vineyard, I worked in public relations and I should have started my own agency earlier (I was 35 when I started Hotwire, my previous business)."

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

"I have grown up with strong women. My grandmother ran a hotel in Norway when I grew up and it did not occur to me that women could not be equal to men. I treat every woman and every man as equal colleagues capable of amazing things."
 

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Laura Bateman (Head of Learning & Participation) and Amber McDonald (Deputy Head of Learning & Participation), White Rock Theatre

What advice would you give to your younger self?

"Don't worry too much about the academic stuff, go for the creative things that you enjoy. There are creative jobs out there for women!" - Laura

What advice would you give the next generation of female leaders?

"Be confident that what you have to say is valid and important." - Amber

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Natalie, Ebike Hire

Natalie manages Ebike Hire in Camber, a locally run ebike hire business. They operate from home, which allows her to spend more time with my family.

What does International Women's Day mean to you / your team?

"To me, it means that regardless of your gender, it should not hinder from pursuing your goals or achieving success in life."

Tell us something that makes you proud of your business?

"We love seeing our bright orange bikes out and about!"

What advice would you give to your younger self?

"That you don't have to stick to what society thinks you should be... break out of the box and never be afraid to do you!"

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Caroline Fisher, Greyfriars

Caroline runs Greyfriars, an 18-acre estate with a gothic mansion at the centre. They have two luxury holiday homes in the East wing; Eagle’s Nest and Herons Wood both with private gardens with wood fired hot tubs.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you / your team?

"I would like to say that the more women in positions of power everywhere around the world, the more issues such as Education for all girls in all parts of the world, obliterating FGM, and child marriage will be tackled. Well educated women of influence in countries such as the Uk, need to look further afield and use their voices to tackle these and many other issues that less fortunate women face."

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Find out more about the businesses that these amazing women run and own below.