Funny Women’s founder and CEO, Lynne Parker, has been awarded ‘MP HERo’ status by her local MP Kelly Tolhurst in recognition of her role as a Medway-based businesswoman. The honour was shared with other MPs and businesswomen from all over the UK at the House of Commons on Wednesday 16th November during Global Entrepreneurship Week and Parliament Week.
MP HERoes is a cross party national initiative which encourages, celebrates and supports female enterprise in every area of the UK. MPs nominate a dynamic female owned business in their constituency, highlighting female entrepreneurship across a wide range of sectors and industries.
Women business owners are featured online at The MP Heroes and join an interactive peer group with year-round events and activities to develop skills and build connections, from Parliament to regional and local events. MP HERoes are role models leading the way for other women to start or grow a business.
Inspired by the Alison Rose Review into Female Entrepreneurship, MP HERoes is a Savvitas programme in partnership with NatWest, supported by the Women & Enterprise All-Party Parliamentary Group and Inclusive Entrepreneurship APPG.
Speaking about her award, Lynne says: “I was so delighted that my local MP Kelly Tolhurst chose Funny Women to represent Medway. We moved the business here eight years ago from West London and it’s a fantastic place to live and work.
“We had tremendous support from both Medway Council and Arts Council England – South East during pandemic and this recognition will help us prepare for the next chapter. I am a passionate creative champion for this part of the world and look forward to working with Kelly to really put Medway on the map.”
Helene Martin Gee, Savvitas founder & MP HERoes creator, says: “Thanks to our partnership with NatWest, MP HERoes is shining a spotlight on brilliant women business owners throughout the country. I’m delighted to meet so many successful female founders from every sector and from every part of the UK, championed by MPs of all parties.”
Yvonne Greeves, Director of Women in Business at NatWest Group said: “It’s great to be working with MPs and Savvitas to champion women business owners who are contributing to their local economy.”
Savvitas is an influential and innovative network which works to positively impact lifelong development of women. With a special emphasis on boosting women’s economic power.
