5 Women Entrepreneurs From Newcastle University Making Headlines

Newcastle University has long been recognised for producing graduates who go on to make a difference in business, science and innovation. Among its growing community of successful alumni are women entrepreneurs who have launched businesses spanning digital marketing, fashion, hospitality and consultancy, proving that the North East continues to nurture ambitious founders with global potential.

Entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly attractive career path for graduates. Newcastle University's award-winning START UP programme has supported more than 230 businesses, helping founders generate a combined annual turnover of more than £155 million while creating over 1,200 jobs. That success demonstrates how university support can help transform ideas into thriving enterprises.

Here are five women entrepreneurs connected to Newcastle University who are making headlines with businesses that continue to grow.

Emma Grant is helping businesses dominate Google.

Emma Grant graduated from Newcastle University Business School before founding Figment Agency, an award-winning digital marketing company based in the North East.

Specialising in search engine optimisation, content marketing and digital strategy, Figment Agency helps organisations improve their online visibility and attract more customers through Google Search. With search engines remaining one of the largest sources of website traffic for businesses, Emma has built a company that supports organisations across multiple sectors.

Her success also highlights how graduates can establish nationally recognised businesses without leaving the North East.

Louisa Rogers is championing sustainable fashion.

After graduating from Newcastle University in 2016, Louisa Rogers founded Studio Courtenay and Trendlistr Vintage, creating businesses centred around ethical fashion and sustainability.

Studio Courtenay produces British-made clothing and homeware, while Trendlistr Vintage focuses on giving pre-loved fashion a second life. With consumers becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability, Louisa has positioned her businesses within one of retail's fastest-growing sectors.

Her entrepreneurial journey demonstrates how creativity and environmental awareness can successfully work together.

Rachel Skeoch is supporting North East businesses.

Marketing specialist Rachel Skeoch launched Truenorth Marketing, a consultancy dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses strengthen their marketing strategy.

Based in the North East, the business works closely with growing companies looking to improve brand awareness, customer engagement and commercial growth. SMEs account for more than 99 percent of all UK businesses, making specialist marketing support increasingly valuable for firms competing in a digital marketplace.

Rachel's work also reinforces the important role local entrepreneurs play in supporting regional economic development.

Rachel Woolford turned fitness into a thriving business.

Rachel Woolford established North Studio, a boutique fitness company that has grown into a recognised wellness brand with studios in Leeds and Harrogate.

Her business combines high-quality fitness classes with community engagement, reflecting the continued growth of the health and wellbeing sector across the UK. Consumers are investing more in fitness experiences than ever before, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who can deliver something different.

Rachel's story is another example of how Newcastle University graduates are successfully identifying changing consumer trends and building sustainable businesses around them.

Sarah Zong introduced a unique concept to Newcastle.

Business School graduate Sarah Zong became well known after founding CatPawCino, Newcastle's first cat café.

Inspired by similar venues she visited overseas, Sarah introduced a business concept that combined hospitality with animal welfare, creating a destination that attracted both local residents and visitors.

Her business gained widespread attention for bringing something genuinely different to Newcastle city centre and showed how innovative ideas can thrive when adapted for local communities. Sarah has also shared her entrepreneurial experiences as part of Newcastle University's Women Entrepreneurship Week initiatives.

Inspiring the next generation of female founders.

The achievements of these entrepreneurs demonstrate the strength of Newcastle University's growing entrepreneurial community. Whether building digital agencies, sustainable fashion brands, fitness businesses or unique hospitality concepts, each founder has shown that successful businesses can be created with determination, innovation and the right support.

Newcastle University continues to invest in future entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops, business coaching and equity-free grant funding for eligible graduates. These programmes help ensure the next generation of women founders can continue building businesses that strengthen both the North East economy and the wider UK business landscape.

As more graduates choose entrepreneurship over traditional career paths, stories like these provide inspiration for students currently studying in Newcastle and for aspiring founders across the region.

Share your thoughts.

Which of these Newcastle University entrepreneurs inspires you the most?