Laura Fox Credits Strong Networks as Key to Navigating Start-Up Business

13 Mar 2024

Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News

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The Black Country Chamber of Commerce speaks to the owner of Fox HR.

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As part of Women's History Month 2024, we are highlighting career stories of women who have received support from the Chamber's Start-Up Business Club and are currently operating their own businesses in the Black Country. Through the 'Women in Start-Up’ campaign we celebrate the significant contribution of female entrepreneurs across both the business and wider social community.

Fox HR is run by Laura Fox who has over 12 years of experience offering HR support in the UK and internationally. Laura has worked with many industries in the private and public sectors.

Introducing Laura Fox

I’m Laura and I’m the face behind Fox HR, which provides uncomplicated, reliable, and affordable HR support to small businesses across the Black Country. My approach is straightforward – I’ll get to know you and your business, and I’ll understand where I can help you.

1. How has the perception of female entrepreneurs changed since you became a small business owner?

This perception has become more of a reality as women have sought creative ways to balance their careers, maintain an income, and raise their families.

Women have been forced into entrepreneurship to strive for this balance as the generation that was raised under the guise of ‘women can have it all’, a concept that is now weaponised against us because the social and economic structures are not in place to support this.

Nevertheless, 2024 is set to see some interesting changes to workplace flexibility and I am optimistic that this will pave the way for more women to become entrepreneurs.

2. What kind of community support have you helped foster/received as a woman in business?

I knew when I set out on my self-employed journey that it could be a lonely place, and that having a strong support network would be crucial if I was to succeed.

I work closely with other HR consultants, which has been a wonderful way to seek advice, bounce ideas around, and even just have a bit of a moan! More locally, I’ve been part of women-only networking groups and actively looked to connect with other local female entrepreneurs.

3. What advice would you give young girls and women aspiring to start their own business?

Be realistic. There will always be stories of ‘I started my business with £50 in the bank’ but this is a very skewed view.

Certainly, it’s a leap of faith, but it’s one that you can prepare for, whether it’s working part-time whilst you build a ‘side hustle’, having savings in the bank, or doing freelance work. You’ll never be 100% certain, but a calculated risk and a bit of self-belief goes a long way!

Do you want to read more profiles on Women in Start-Up? View our latest news. Are you a local resident in the early stages of starting your own business? Visit: https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/membership/membership-packages/the-startup-business-club/ to become a member or view our Wolverhampton and Walsall support services for free advice.

Email Start-Up Business Manager Alison Trinder at AlisonTrinder@blackcountrychamber.co.uk

To learn more about Fox HR visit: https://www.fox-hr.co.uk

Address: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom