Supporting women in business through connection, encouragement and community
Ladies Who Latte is a national networking organisation created to make business networking more accessible, welcoming and supportive for women.
The idea began in 2007, when founders Mary Flavelle and Sharon Connolly asked a simple question: “Wouldn’t it be great to just meet for a coffee without having to pay all these membership fees?” From that conversation, Ladies Who Latte was born.
The concept remains beautifully simple. Local groups bring women in business together, usually over a coffee, to meet, chat, make connections and support one another. There is no membership fee, no meeting fee and no requirement to book. Women can simply find their local group and come along, making Ladies Who Latte an easy and welcoming first step into networking.
Unlike more formal networking organisations, Ladies Who Latte has traditionally operated without a rigid agenda or formal presentation structure. The emphasis is on genuine conversation and relationships rather than simply exchanging business cards or delivering a sales pitch. Each group has its own personality, shaped by its local members and volunteer Latte Leader, while remaining part of the wider national organisation.
At the heart of Ladies Who Latte is the belief that women support women. The organisation recognises that starting or running a business can sometimes feel isolating, particularly for women who are working from home, starting something new or finding their confidence. The groups provide an environment where women can build confidence, share knowledge, discover local businesses and develop meaningful professional and personal relationships. Many friendships and collaborations have grown from these connections.
The organisation is entirely supported by its Latte Leaders – women who volunteer their time to organise and welcome their local groups. Leaders are encouraged to create friendly, inclusive spaces where women feel comfortable introducing themselves, asking questions and getting to know others. This volunteer-led approach is a fundamental part of what makes Ladies Who Latte different.
Over the years, the network has grown substantially. The national organisation has more than 100 free networking meetings taking place each month, with groups across the UK and internationally. Its history records the network growing to more than 130 groups and around 20,000 women across the UK, Malta and Africa.
Ultimately, Ladies Who Latte is about much more than networking. It is about connection, confidence, collaboration and community – creating a space where women can support one another, learn from each other and grow their businesses together.
Because there’s no point being fabulous on your own!
