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A ÖÆ·þÎÞÂë Leicester (DMU) graduate has been named as one of the UK’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs.

Jo Porter, who founded dance and fitness and events business Kitchen Dancing has been showcased alongside 100 other female bosses by Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign.

It aims to recognize the achievements of trailblazing women who have done their bit for society during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jo, from Nottingham, studied Performing Arts at DMU before going onto the stage to perform in musicals and then working in the travel industry as head of concert tours before setting up Kitchen Dancing.

During the pandemic her high-energy fitness classes moved online and she also set up sessions for the community, children and corporate clients.

Jo was also praised for her work within the community and for charity through Kitchen Dancing as well as continuing to run her specialist tour operator business for music ensembles and runners, Sound Escapes (launched 2019) and Running Escapes (launched November 2020), when not mid-pandemic.

 Jo said: “I am over the moon to be recognized and welcomed into this prestigious group of female entrepreneurs especially during such challenging times. I am so excited by this opportunity to meet other business women, also wearing a number of different hats, and to be inspired by their stories and successes."

Now in its fourth year, f:Entrepreneur was launched in 2017  to highlight amazing female role models to help and inspire all small businesses, through content, stories and events. It particularly aims to showcase trailblazing female entrepreneurs that lead small businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support, activities

From beekeepers to PPE, tech entrepreneurs to pole-dance-enthusiasts, this year’s campaign celebrates inspiring and resilient female entrepreneurs that have flourished despite Covid-19, with many still growing or starting new ventures.

Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens CBE, who is also the director of Small Business Saturday UK.

“Congratulations to all the inspiring women chosen to join this year’s #ialso100,” said Michelle Ovens. “Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish. We need to continue, and increase, our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.”

“We have seen so many women embracing change, generating and exploring new ideas, rallying around their communities and supporting their peers. This resilience is hugely valuable and will set them up for success as they will be at the very heart of the UK’s recovery.”