The second cohort for a female accelerator programme in Leeds has been unveiled.
Built to Rise, delivered by The Whole Point, is a growth accelerator for women-led businesses in West Yorkshire.
Applications are encouraged from organisations employing 10 or more people, with £1+ million turnover in the last 12 months.
There are over 8,000 women-led businesses in Leeds, but fewer than 100 exceed £2 million in annual revenue.
The Built to Rise programme is designed by female leaders who have ‘been there, done that’ and aims to give female leaders the tools, connections, and confidence required to grow their business, secure funding, and increase revenue.
Juliet Ralph, CEO and co-founder of Robinson Ralph, took part in the inaugural cohort in 2025.
“Since the accelerator finished, we’ve smashed through the £1m revenue barrier,” she said. “There’s lots going on in the business, but I’d certainly attribute some of that success to the programme.”
This year’s cohort
Viviana Baker – Managing Director, James Wilby Group
Emma Harvey – Founder and Managing Director, Candid HR
Jo Hollows – Head of Finance and Operations, Intuitive Business Intelligence Ltd
Abigail Holt – Director, Holtex Limited
Shannon Martin – CEO, Dotty Bridal
Elly Nettleton – Co-Founder, Boost Talent
Georgina Parkin – Managing Director and co-owner, Truth Legal
Hazel Plummer – General Manager, 3D Productions Ltd
Yvonne Stocks – Founder and CEO, Palm Cove Society
Programme mentors
Ciara Allen – Global Chief Financial Officer, Principle
Lesley Beach – Group Managing Director, Splash About International Ltd
Jacqui Hall – Non-Executive Board Member and Trustee at Horticap
Vikki Jackon-Smith – Managing Director at J&B Recycling Ltd
Dirk Mischendahl – Founder, Northern Bloc and Playful Ltd
Annette Ord – Commercial Director, Mauve Group
Sara Parker – Fractional COO and Founder, Teal Compass
Josie Richardson – Non-Executive Director/Board Member and Founder of Accomplish Ltd
Christine Smith – Non-Executive Director and Business Advisor
Rachel Swann – Growth Specialist and Founder of Rachel Swann Advisory Ltd
Karen Tyrrell – Director, That.There.T-Shirt Consulting
Liz Whitefield – Co-Founder and Executive Director, Hippo
Six in-person, deep-dive workshops and ‘lunch and learns’ across 12 weeks will include leveraging personal leadership strengths; teams and board building; mission and vision; agility and strategy; exit plans; and harnessing AI.
“There’s no shortage of ambitious women building serious companies in the Leeds City Region. What has been missing is the right support at the point that they’re ready to scale,” said Zandra Moore MBE (pictured, main image), co-founder of The Whole Point and facilitator on the Built to Rise programme.
“Year one told us everything we need to know: that talent was never the gap and that this accelerator model works. This year, nine women leading high-growth businesses across Leeds City Region join our second cohort and I can’t wait to see what they build.”