Quarter of female business owners take second jobs as economic pressures intensify, Tide and everywoman report shows

"Female entrepreneurs across the UK are working longer hours, taking on second jobs and facing renewed financial strain as economic pressures mount, according to a major new study from Tide and everywoman. The Female Business Owners Index 2025 reveals that 39 per cent of women founders say this year has been harder than 2024, with falling consumer spending, inflation and political uncertainty continuing to squeeze margins and stall growth. Despite the tough trading environment, the research paints a picture of extraordinary resilience."

"Even so, optimism remains strikingly strong. Two-thirds of female entrepreneurs expect their revenues to rise over the next 12 months, and nearly one in five believe the year ahead could be transformational, predicting revenue increases of up to 100 per cent. Rather than waiting for conditions to improve, many are pursuing bold expansion strategies, exploring new markets, investing in digitisation and looking to grow their teams."

Female business owners in the UK are experiencing increased economic pressure, with falling consumer spending, inflation and political uncertainty squeezing margins and stalling growth. A substantial portion report this year has been harder than last, prompting more than half to work longer hours and nearly one in four to take second jobs. Over one third of women-led companies cite weaker household spending as a challenge. Despite these strains, two-thirds expect revenue growth and many pursue expansion, digitisation and team growth, while access to loans and equity remains a significant barrier, with women receiving a tiny share of funding.

Read at Business Matters