Birmingham entrepreneur named one of 2026’s leading UK female founders
A Birmingham businesswoman who co-founded a wellbeing coaching firm has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs.
Nabila Gardner, who founded Ways for Wellbeing UK CIC in 2022, will be featured alongside leading female founders from across the country as part of Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, which celebrates the multi-achievements of women running businesses in the UK.
The campaign celebrates 100 exceptional women across the UK who are driving innovation, growth, and positive impact in their communities, while running successful businesses.
Nabila is being profiled for her work in transforming how clinical standards translate into community-led action.
Beyond her business, she is a tireless champion for accessibility and inclusion; she also serves as a lead organiser for the Birmingham Disability Festival and volunteers her expertise to mentor underserved entrepreneurs, ensuring that lived experience remains at the heart of Birmingham’s urban and social design.
On being featured in this year’s #IAlso100 lineup, Nabila said: “I am incredibly proud to be featured in this year’s #iAlso100 lineup.
“As a disabled woman of Asian heritage, being recognized on a national stage is about more than just personal achievement; it’s about visibility and representation.
“For too long, our stories have been missing from the entrepreneurial narrative.
“My journey with Ways for Wellbeing UK CIC and the Birmingham Disability Festival is rooted in the belief that our lived experiences are our greatest strengths.
“This listing proves that when we lead with our authentic selves, we don't just build businesses—we create space for others to be seen, heard, and valued.
“I hope this recognition inspires other women from diverse backgrounds to embrace their own '#iAlso' lives and know that their voices are not just valid, but vital to the future of our economy.”
Launched in 2017 by Small Business Britain, the f:Entrepreneur campaign aims to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community.
Michelle Ovens, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain, said: “It is brilliant to feature Nabila Gardner and Ways for Wellbeing UK in this year’s #IAlso100 campaign. All of the female entrepreneurs in this year’s line-up are inspirational and remarkable role models.
“Their creativity, leadership, and community impact show exactly why supporting female founders is so important, not only for the UK’s economic growth but for the positive difference they make to wider society.”
The #IAlso100 campaign offers a host of events, training, and networking opportunities to boost skills, capability, and confidence.
Female entrepreneurship continues to make a powerful economic impact, with estimates suggesting up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men.
