The success of women in business was a major theme of the York Business Festival earlier this week.

Cherie Federico spoke about how she created her Aesthetica magazine in York more than 20 years ago, which has now grown into a film festival and creative festival.

Cherie gave her life story in the three-hour event at York St John University.

She said afterwards: “Speaking at the Women in Business event was an amazing experience. I want to support more women to launch businesses, but we need to make women more visible, and we need a complete culture shift."

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“We need to be starting these conversations from a very young age and looking at how we can embed this into education. Sharing the story of how Aesthetica was conceived and built likely gave me a moment to appreciate the journey, the hurdles I overcame, and the successes achieved.”

The evening of conversation, with York St John’s Prof Marie Evans, looked at how more than 20 years ago, women in media was unheard of when she started out as a 22-year-old fresh from New York, with it taking “resilience, determination and an inner strength to keep going even when it was hard.”

Cherie told the Press: “I want to encourage more women to find that inner strength and take positive risks. There was a sense of honesty, which created a wonderful connection with the audience, making the experience deeply fulfilling.

“As a city, we must take deliberate steps to set the agenda for supporting women in business, recognising the invaluable contribution to economic growth and innovation.

(Image: David Harrison)

“This means fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive through access to funding, mentorship and policies that promote gender.  Simultaneously, we must look towards the next generation of talent, creating pathways that inspire young women and girls to envision themselves as leaders, innovators and changemakers.”

Cherie added: “By investing in education, early mentorship programmes, and visible role models, we can cultivate a culture that empowers future leaders. As we do this, we have an opportunity to set a precedent nationally and internationally, demonstrating what it means to be a forward-thinking, inclusive city that champions diversity and innovation as cornerstones of progress.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Natalie McMillan spoke on the ‘truth behind start-ups.’

Natalie is a former CEO, Chief Executive and HR professional working within the NHS, who has created McMillan and Associates HR.

Natalie said afterwards: “What an opportunity to share my story of starting a business six years ago and growing it year on year. 

“A common theme in the feedback? Honestly. I pride myself on this. If I have helped one business owner or inspired someone to take the leap and go for it then that is my reward.”

Wednesday also saw events covering family-friendly employers and innovating with data. The week-long festival culminated in the York Press Business Awards on Friday evening at York Racecourse.