Scaling New Heights: How The 51% Club Officially Ignited Leicester’s Female Founder Scene
The gender funding gap in the UK isn't just a statistic; it’s a £250 billion missed opportunity. At Tania Gerard Digital, we are driven by the belief that inclusive, accessible, and mission-led business is better business. That is why I was incredibly proud to witness the official expansion of The 51% Club, a powerful community for ambitious female founders as it launched its dedicated Leicester hub on 28th January 2026.
Having already made waves in London and the West Midlands, this movement has now planted firm roots in the East Midlands to support women ready to scale, innovate, and lead.
More Than Just Networking: A Movement for Growth
The 51% Club was never intended to be just another networking group. It arrived as a free-to-join national movement designed to provide tangible support through three core pillars: Education, Community, and Opportunity. The launch event welcomed everyone from creative solopreneurs to established CEOs and exited founders. The atmosphere at the LCB Depot was electric, centered on a singular, bold goal: ensuring female-led businesses scale at the same rate as their male counterparts to unlock the untapped economic potential of our region.
The Leicester Launch: Ambition, Innovation & Scaling
Hosted by venue partner and sponsor, LCB Depot, the evening provided a deep dive into the "Art of Scaling." We explored how to navigate the shifting landscapes of technology and enterprise while driving wealth generation specifically within the East Midlands.
The highlight of the night was an insightful panel discussion chaired by 51% Club founder Tara Attfield-Tomes. The conversation moved beyond surface-level advice, digging into the grit required to build and exit high-growth businesses.
Insights from the Panel
Ann Stanley: The founder of Anicca and a titan in AI-driven marketing, Ann shared expert insights on how companies can prepare for a digital future, using AI and digital agents to unlock exponential growth.
Stacey Ferguson-Czersovski: Representing The Venue Verse, Stacey discussed her journey from hospitality to immersive tech, emphasising the power of confidence and courage for women in innovation.
Glynis Wright MBE: A multi-award-winning lawyer who built and sold her own firm, Glynis offered invaluable perspectives on the legal and entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on her latest venture, The Alternative Divorce Company.
Tania Gerard: I had the privilege of representing Tania Gerard Digital, speaking on why accessibility and neurodiversity are essential drivers for stronger, more profitable businesses. We discussed how prioritising inclusion is a competitive advantage in the modern market.
Attendees also met Emma Bagley, Founder of ZEAL Agency and our regional ambassador, who outlined the exciting long-term plans for growing this community of founders across Leicestershire and beyond.
A Look Back at the Evening
The agenda was designed for maximum connection and high-level learning:
Arrival: Founders connected over food and drinks, sparking collaborations before the formal session even began.
The Welcome: Emma Bagley and Tara Attfield-Tomes set the stage, defining the mission of the club.
The Discussion: A candid panel session followed by a sharp, high-value Q&A.
The After-Party: The night concluded with a final round of networking, where many new memberships were forged.
"Our community is open to all founders who identify as female, regardless of sector. We are here to change the fact that women aren't scaling at the rate they should be." — The 51% Club
Join the Movement
If you missed the launch, it isn't too late to be part of the movement. The 51% Club is a growing force, and the Leicester hub is just getting started. Join a community that is actively redefining what female-led success looks like in the UK.