Driving success for
female MDs, Founders and
Business Owners

We’re breaking barriers

91% of female entrepreneurs have experienced gender bias and inequality in business. Even today, we’re still under-represented, unsupported and underfunded. This has to change.

FAB is the UK’s first female peer advisory group, building a community of exceptional female leaders. We’re helping women of all backgrounds smash through ceilings and realise their full potential. Are you ready to invest in your future?

When Sam called me to explain the concept of the FAB group, I knew instantly that this was a resource I needed and would benefit from. I have run my own business for 20 years and it is often the loneliest, and most exhausting place, full of self doubt. The first session was everything I expected and more. Incredibly well structured, warm, inclusive, and safe. My biggest take way from the programme so far is “it isn’t just me”. I am not alone, others have similar challenges and self doubt, I already feel that I have support, challenge, and more belief in myself and that I can address the issues in my business and grasp the opportunities. I know this programme will change my life (not just my business) and I feel so proud to be part of this pioneering group.

Diane Coolican

Founding Director – Redsky Learning

I am so pleased I joined FAB, the experience so far has been invaluable. I now have a clear idea of my personal goals and a strategic plan for where I need to take my business to achieve those goals. The support from both Sam and the other board members is huge, they have boosted my confidence so much. I’m grateful to all the board members but particularly Sam for being able to put such a great bunch of people together.

Victoria Moulds

Director – Moulds Accountancy & Financial Advisory Services

I had no idea what to expect when joining FAB, but I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of from the first meeting with Sam. Her enthusiasm as a cheerleader for successful female founders and women in business aligned with my own views and I knew I had to get involved. It was one of the best things I’ve decided to do in the past year. I’ve met an incredible group of inspiring business people who help support me with strategic business decisions and challenge me to be better. I have learnt a lot from the sessions and continue to feel more motivated and inspired after each one. I would highly recommend for any female business leader who can relate to it ‘being lonely at the top’, who needs a support system of people who get it, all whilst feeling like you’re spending time bettering yourself and your business.

Claire Daniels

CEO – Trio Media

Being invited to be a board member on the very first FAB board has been a game changer. Our monthly meetings are not only a place to seek advice, offer support to others and be challenged on our own thinking by other amazing leaders, it has given me access to an array of incredible guest speakers on a wide range of topics that are so important in the world of business and entrepreneurship. The time spent in the board meetings really allows me to work on my business and not in it, paving the way for clearer thinking, strategic planning and growth. Its a wonderful board of highly ambitious women who have big goals and its a pleasure to see every month how each of us moves further towards them. Sam has done an amazing job of creating a high vibe environment and a high vibe board that I am proud to be a part of. Being a member of FAB is an investment you cant afford to miss out on!

Hayley Hoyle

Founder – The Harrogate Wedding Lounge

This is a place where you can be completely honest without judgement about both the professional and personal challenges you face, somewhere that you can feel supported by a group of smart, empathetic women, who will always have your back, even if that sometimes means receiving tough love that is always given from the best of places? Somewhere every member is fully invested in the success of the whole group, where help and advice are given freely. Then welcome to FAB, the brain-child of the entrepreneurial and sassy Samantha Addy. Sam has created a carefully curated sisterhood of likeminded women and facilitates each of it’s members to take regular time out to really work on their business, using great external speakers to educate and challenge you to really focus on what’s important. Sam’s additional 1:1’s allow tailored support as well as accountability to ensure you and your business objectives are thriving. One thing I have realized as a member, is that although our businesses and skillsets are very different we all suffer similar challenges, fears and bouts of loneliness and the solidarity of the group offers intelligent advice, solutions, practical help and friendship. I couldn’t recommend FAB highly enough, Sam is smashing it!

Kim Van Elkan

Co-Owner & MD – OurCreative Collective

FAB
When I was first introduced to the idea of the Female Advisory Board I really wasn’t sure, a female only group, really, this day and age.
How wrong can a person be.
As a female leader, in the Energy industry and I would imagine any industry to be fair, I forgot how lonely it is, how you have to be careful what you say and how you come across in fear of being perceived as too emotional, or aggressive, hormonal, or too weak, or even too soft, we would never say any of that to a man would we?
FAB is all of those other great peer groups and so much more. Having a team of likeminded women leaders in a safe place, who get you, understand and support, hold you to account but do so in a way that is generous and nurturing. It’s so enriching, inspiring and motivating being part of each other’s lives, and seeing others flourish is wonderful. If you get an opportunity to be part of it, trust me you won’t regret it.

Jacqui Hall

N.E.D. & Former MD CNG Energy

FAB is the place I have been looking for since I set up my business. Finding your tribe is so important as a business owner, particularly if you run the business on your own, and that’s what I have found through FAB. The ladies are exceptionally talented, inspirational, supportive and fun, and Sam is so invested in everyone’s success that her positivity shines bright. I wouldn’t be without this fabulous group of ladies and I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of us.

Sally Bendtson

MD Limelight HR

What to expect

Confidential peer advisory groups

At each meeting, you'll tap into the insight and expertise of ambitious and fearless leaders from non-competing industries. Every Member offers new perspectives and advice you won't find elsewhere. Your Chair will help you build the right mindset to reach your goals faster. Plus, you’ll hear from expert speakers nationwide who'll empower you to elevate your business.

Dedicated one-to-one mentoring

Outside the peer advisory group, you’ll meet with the board Chair to dive deeper into your challenges and goals. Our Chairs are experienced female leaders who are passionate about supporting your success. They'll create a safe environment for you to be open, honest and vulnerable. You’ll also work through accountability measures that positively change your future.

Exclusive annual events

We invite all FAB Members to our exclusive events. Learn from keynote speakers, workshop ideas and network with Members from other groups. These events occur yearly, celebrating what we've achieved and what is yet to come. You'll also be able to immerse yourself in a self-discovery retreat in Europe.

Joining the FAB Chief Executive Group

The FAB Chief Executive Group board Members are hand-picked female entrepreneurs with an annual turnover of £500k to £25m+. A FAB Chief Exec must desire growth and acceleration and take on opportunities to realise their full potential.

Want to be a FAB Chief Executive member?

Imagine 12-15 industry experts supporting you at a collective and individual level, helping you resolve the complex challenges of running and scaling a business. Discover the power of working ON, instead of IN your business and pave this path for future leaders. Want a seat at the table?

Frequently asked
questions

What is FAB?

Female Advisory Board (FAB) is the UK’s first all-female, cross-industry peer advisory group that brings together female leaders from non-competing businesses. All board Members enjoy monthly peer advisory meetings, one-to-one mentoring with experienced Chairs, and exclusive yearly events.

Who is FAB for?

FAB is a powerful private network of female peers in senior leadership roles. We offer four unique groups designed for all types of leadership. To get the most out of FAB, you must choose the right group to realise the best version of you and your business via our criteria model.

Where are your current groups?

FAB peer advisory groups have launched across Yorkshire in Harrogate and Leeds, with Sheffield and Manchester coming very soon. Secure your board seat and apply for a FAB membership at one of these locations.

Are you coming to my location soon?

We are proudly expanding FAB to major towns and cities across the UK. Join our waiting list to be the first to know about our opening events.

What are the membership criteria?

FAB Chief Executive memberships are based on a two-fold process. You must first meet the membership criteria below. After applying, your potential Chair will meet to discuss your application and whether you’d work well in the group.

Please check you meet the criteria and then apply to speak with your future Chair.

You must be based in or around the FAB group’s location so you can attend the in-person board meetings and one-to-one sessions.
Your annual turnover is a minimum of £500K to £25m+, and you want to grow.
You must be a female Founder, Business Owner, Chief Executive or MD.
You must adhere to the 5 FAB commitments, terms and membership rules.

What happens if I don’t meet the criteria?

FAB is committed to elevating the careers of ALL women. While focusing on our Flagship FAB Chief Executive Groups, we will soon offer new opportunities to those outside the initial membership scope.

Join the waiting list for our Small Business Group, Senior Executives Group or Future Leaders Group.

How do I apply for the Female Advisory Board?

Submit an application form for a board Member position, and your Chair will book an initial conversation with you. This discovery meeting is the perfect opportunity to delve into what each board meeting will be like and gain a sense of the peers who are on your board.

Your Chair will discuss whether space is available on your chosen board and learn more about you and your business. They’ll determine whether you can attend the monthly meetings to ensure you and your peers get the best out of FAB.

The discovery meeting will also determine whether you’re from a non-competing industry with other FAB Members. This ensures that all Members can share freely and without conflicts of interest. Please review our eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the FAB requirements.

How much does FAB membership cost?

Your Chair will be happy to discuss the investment opportunity when discussing your application to join.

How does payment work?

Payment is made via direct debit on a rolling contract. Once we’ve confirmed your board seat, you’ll receive complete onboarding information, including payment.

Are the yearly self-discovery trips to Europe included in the membership fee?

Our motivational trips to Europe are an additional cost to your Chief Executive Group membership. You’ll receive more details about this upon joining.

Driving success for female MDs, Founders and Business Owners