Wendy Powis Brings Female Mentorship to the Forefront

20 Mar 2024

Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News

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The Black Country Chamber of Commerce speaks to the Managing Director of WM Bookkeeping.

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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.

WM Bookkeeping is a family run company who have been helping small businesses in the Wolverhampton area for many years. We offer support and advice you need to help your business become more efficient.

Introducing Wendy Powis

After more than two decades in finance, I made a daring shift into entrepreneurship, launching a small startup offering bookkeeping services to my business contacts. Starting from a modest spare bedroom setup, the transition from employee to self-employed has been fulfilling, albeit challenging and at times exhausting! Yet, every hurdle has been worthwhile. In just two years, we've experienced remarkable growth, evolving into a thriving operation with four dedicated staff members and a turnover exceeding 100K.

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

Since becoming a small business owner I’ve observed a positive change in how female entrepreneurs are perceived. People now recognise and appreciate the contributions women make in the business world. I’ve personally encountered supportive moments from experienced women in business, who generously shared their knowledge of best practices and insights to avoid potential pitfalls.

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

The community support has been tremendous. Clients referring to us as a business’s best friend is a testament to the trust we've earned. Being a woman in business has allowed me to connect with and inspire others, fostering the supportive network.

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

What's made this journey even more special is witnessing my 11-year-old daughter absorb invaluable life lessons while actively engaging in our home office and the world of business. Her perceptive insights and pragmatic problem-solving approach have made me step back with pride, realising the depth of her learning from my experiences as a successful businesswoman.

To Young girls and women aspiring to start their own business, my advice would be to believe in yourself, work hard, and seek mentorship. Your unique perspective and determination can lead to success, as demonstrated by my own journey. And in the wise words from my 11-year-old “Make sure you choose a path/challenge/ job/ that leaves you feeling happy and fulfilled.”

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 WM Bookkeeping visit: https://www.wmbookkeeping.co.uk/

Address: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom