International Women’s Day: Meet some of Tyneside’s most inspiring business owners

As Tyneside celebrates International Women's Day 2022, NewcastleWorld visits some of the region's inspiring women-led businesses.

The global day looks to 'break the bias' around gender inequality and celebrate women's achievement.

Newcastle and its surrounding regions wouldn't be the places they are without the fantastic woman at the heart of its communities and businesses.

Here are just three Tyneside women, all part of the North Tyneside Business Forum, to be celebrated on International Women's Day.

Sangeeta Chopra - Owner of Namaste - Taste of India

Sangeeta runs an Indian deli takeaway in Whitley Bay that offers experiences such as cooking classes as well as delicious food.

Sangeeta opened the business in 2018 in the hopes that being her own boss would mean more time to spend with her children.

Speaking on being a woman running her own businesses, the shop owners said: "I think more and more women are taking a step forward and running their own business.

"I've been doing this for three years and it is hard. I have two girls who help out every now and again but the majority is on my own.

"It's not easy but I'm proud of what I do."

Sangeeta also praised the community of female business owners in Whitley Bay, who are all on hand to help one another.

Asked for any words of wisdom for any other women thinking about running their own business, Sangeeta said: "Just go for it! Jump in the deep end.

"You're never going to know until you try. Everyone has their ups and downs but you've got to keep positive.

"I'd encourage anyone to go for it. Work hard and it'll pay off one day."

Kathryn Meadows - Head of Nicholson's Butchers

Kathryn runs the family business of Nicholson's Butchers in Whitley Bay.

The butchers has been open ever since 1914 and Kathryn is the fourth generation running the shop.

She said: "It's great. I feel like there's a lot on my shoulders to keep it going for 100 years if not more.

"I feel really honoured that I can work in a business that's been here so long."

Speaking on her role as a female business owner ahead of International Women's Day, Kathryn said: "It's a challenge. There are different things you've got to juggle on a daily basis.

"I think it's even more of a challenge when you've got children.

"Sometimes I feel like I've done a day's work before I step foot in the door here.

"It's a great challenge and I wouldn't want to be treated any differently to a man. It's head down and get on with it kind of attitude."

When asked about advice for other women in business, Kathryn followed Sangeeta's words in saying "just go for it".

She added: "Find where you want to go and don't let anyone veer you off it."

Patricia Davidson - Director of Rotational Engineering

Patricia is one of the directors at Wallsend's Rotational Engineering.

The company started working over 30 years ago and now works across an array of engineering projects.

Patricia has seen the company move through different projects and change over time and admits the engineering industry is one dominated by males.

She said: "I think I've managed quite well over the years.

"Initially it was a little bit daunting coming in and all the meetings I was going to were led by male counterparts.

"However, I was quite well accepted and just over the years worked through things, winning different awards for women in business over the years!"

Giving advice for other women, Patricia said: "Go with your heart and your head and go for it.

"There aren't any barriers now, we've broken down a lot of them.

"Women will get a lot of support, especially from the Business Forum."