Empowering Entrepreneurs: Tara Askham and the Maple Review
A Passion for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Tara Askham’s journey from a working-class background in Nottingham to a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial landscape highlights the power of resilience and the importance of access to opportunity. Her recent involvement with the Maple Review not only marks a pivotal moment in her career but also signifies her commitment to fostering inclusivity in entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the House of Lords
Earlier this year, Askham had the honor of addressing the House of Lords, where she shared her experiences and insights regarding the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs outside major economic centers. “Coming from an area where opportunities are often limited, I know how hard it can be to start or grow a business without the same access to finance or connections,” she remarked. Her candid acknowledgment of these struggles resonates deeply, as it underscores the barriers that hinder aspiring business leaders, particularly in regions like the Midlands.
Bridging the Funding Gap
One of the most pressing issues Askham emphasized is the persistent lack of access to funding and networks for those outside the wealthier regions. Financial literacy, she argues, is another critical area needing attention. Many talented individuals remain stunted in their entrepreneurial ambitions due to a lack of knowledge about financial management and securing funding. By participating in the Maple Review, Askham hopes to leverage her lived experiences to drive systemic change, enhancing entrepreneurial prospects for everyone, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic background.
A Distinguished Background in Finance
Askham isn’t new to the field of finance; she is a Fellow of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) with a rich background in creating educational content. Notably, she has contributed to globally recognized platforms such as ACCA-X and has played a crucial role in developing the UK’s first Access to Higher Education Diploma in Accountancy. Her work has spanned from consulting for major corporations like Volkswagen to empowering smaller, socially-driven enterprises. This breadth of experience positions her uniquely to understand the diverse needs of entrepreneurs across the spectrum.
Mentorship and Community Support
In addition to her consulting work, Askham actively mentors budding entrepreneurs through programs such as Enterprise Nation’s Help to Grow and Santander’s Breakthrough Women Leaders Programme. Her commitment goes beyond merely offering advice; she invests her time in understanding the challenges faced by these individuals. Additionally, her voluntary role on NatWest’s Social and Community Capital Funding Panel demonstrates her dedication to supporting social enterprises that often struggle to secure funding through traditional means.
Advocating for Financial Education
Askham’s efforts extend further as she serves on Xero’s Financial Confidence Taskforce. This initiative seeks to strengthen financial education for various demographics, from schoolchildren to small businesses. “Setting up a business should be exciting, not overwhelming,” she passionately stated. She aims to demystify financial processes and empower individuals with the knowledge they need to confidently navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
Recognitions and Awards
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Askham has been recognized among Small Business Britain’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs in 2025 and has received accolades as a two-time winner of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday. These honors reflect her commitment to not only making finance accessible but also empowering individuals to leverage numbers as tools for growth and change.
Maple Review’s Impact
As the Maple Review kicks off its inaugural Steering Committee meeting in December, Askham’s insights will play a pivotal role in informing government policies aimed at leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs across the UK. The findings from this review are expected to catalyze significant changes that could reshape the entrepreneurial landscape and help dismantle the barriers currently faced by aspiring business owners.
Askham’s story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, education, and community support in entrepreneurship. Her mission is clear: to make the pathway to business ownership as accessible and encouraging as possible for everyone, regardless of where they come from.
