A Teddington entrepreneur has been named one of 2026's leading UK female founders.

Kate Rainford-Foakes, founder of Kate Rainford-Coaching, based in Teddington, has been recognised as one of the UK's 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs.

Rainford-Foakes, who founded her business in 2024, 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.

Rainford-Foakes is being profiled for her work supporting women through leadership and career transitions, and for making female ambition more possible by addressing key barriers to entrepreneurship such as lack of time, support, and confidence.

She is also recognised for her commitment to mentoring, community-building, and championing more sustainable, inclusive models of success for women.

On being featured in this year's #IAlso100 lineup, Rainford-Foakes said: "I'm incredibly proud to be part of the #IAlso100. My work is driven by a belief that women don't lack ambition or talent - they lack time, support, and systems designed with their lives in mind.

"This recognition shines a light on the power of community and shared leadership, and the importance of building businesses that work alongside real life, not at odds with it."

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 CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said: "It is brilliant to feature Kate Rainford-Foakes 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.1

You can view the full list of the 100 female business owners featured in this year's f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign here.