FEMALE Business Owners of Ilkley have had outstanding business successes, despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the local group have diversified and offered new services in order to ride to Covid-19 storm.

Steph Heald, Transformational Coach, and founder of the local networking group, is delighted by the success the members have achieved.

She said: “At the start of lock down, many of us were worried about how it would affect our businesses.

“And yet these business owners have shown true entrepreneurial spirit by the way they have pivoted and continued to keep their businesses going despite the many challenges they have faced.”

Bistro Saigon in Railway Road, Ilkley, started a takeaway service and fulfilled over 800 orders – nearly 2000 main meals.

The Little Teahouse in The Grove Promenade, Ilkley, began an Afternoon Tea in a Box delivery service and produced over 400 cream teas.

Cat Barrett launched the Proto app, a local delivery and takeaway app which allowed local businesses to get their food to their customers.

Cosmos Flowers diversified into Cosmos Gardens, keeping people stocked with all their gardening supplies and Bags of Lavender successfully maintained their order levels throughout lockdown.

Soul and Co carried out over 80 free doorstep photoshoots travelling over 300km by bike.

Many businesses went online including Claire Occardi Hypnortherapy and Plum Yoga, to continue helping those that needed it.

And for others such as Physio Phoenix it allowed them time and space to reflect and remodel their business to provide the best customer experience.

“I am so proud of all the businesses and the people of Ilkley for pulling together and supporting one another during this time,” added Steph.

Steph Heald set up the group in 2019 after trying unsuccessfully to find a way to connect with other female business owners in the area. The group offers support and the chance to promote each others businesses and to celebrate one another’s successes.

The Female Business Owners of Ilkley can be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/FemaleBusinessOwnersIlkley.