As we mark International Women’s Day, we take this moment to honour the outstanding women who make The Business Centre a truly special place. From our incredible team members who keep everything moving seamlessly to the inspiring women business owners who transform communities through innovation and empowerment.
These women lead with vision. They go above and beyond to help those who need it most. And armed with ambition, courage, and passion, they shape a thriving environment.
The Women of The Business Centre
The Business Centre wouldn’t be what it is today without our incredible team that makes it all happen— and with 5 out of our 6 team members being women, we’re led by some pretty extraordinary individuals.
To honour International Women’s Day, we want to say a massive THANK YOU to the inspiring women of The Business Centre—Emma, Alison, Lynne, Sarah, and Karen. Your dedication and hard work make our community of local Welsh businesses feel supported every step of the way. You’re not just helping dreams become reality; you’re making the journey smoother, less stressful, and more rewarding.
Read on to learn more about these amazing women who bring their unique strengths to The Business Centre.
Emma Mills: Steering Success as Our Centre Manager
As Centre Manager and mum to nearly 2-year-old Lottie, Emma balances the fast-paced world of business with the joys and challenges of parenthood.
No two days are the same for Emma—whether she’s building strong relationships with clients, fostering a welcoming community, or ensuring The Business Centre runs efficiently, she thrives on the variety her role brings.
Her ultimate goal is to ensure that every business that walks through our doors has everything they need to succeed.
Outside of work, quality time with family takes priority. She and her husband, Alex Mills, love exploring the outdoors with Lottie and their two miniature dachshunds, Benji and Elton—whether it’s a trip to the park or a visit to a local farm.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Emma’s leadership in shaping a workspace where businesses feel supported, connected, and set up for success.
Alison Chandler: Operations Assistant Driven by Heart and Hard Work
Alison Chandler, mum of four, is a perfect example of what’s possible with a tenacious spirit. After the loss of her husband just over a decade ago, Alison knows firsthand the strength it takes to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.
As one of the newest members of the team, Alison was drawn to The Business Centre for its supportive atmosphere.
She works closely with Emma, and her passion for helping others makes her a key part of the team.
When Alison’s not busy managing bookings for our meeting rooms, overseeing the setup of our flexible office spaces, or helping Emma with daily operations, you’ll find her at the beach—her happy place—with her miniature dachshund, Audrey.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Alison’s commitment to making a positive impact in everything she does by bringing both heart and hard work to every task.
Lynne Sewell: A 15-Year Legacy Leading Our Reception Team
For over 15 years, Lynne Sewell has been the welcoming face of The Business Centre. As our Head Receptionist, she’s been with us from the very beginning, and with her retirement approaching later this year, we’re filled with a mixed bag of emotions.
Lynne has truly been the cornerstone of our reception services, seamlessly handling everything from client enquiries to managing calls for over 50 serviced offices and a growing number of virtual office customers.
No matter the task, she ensures everything runs according to plan behind the scenes, always with a kind smile and professionalism.
To start her busy days, Lynne enjoys morning walks through Pencoedtre Fields with her gorgeous Pomeranian, Bear. Always on the go, she thrives in the bustling atmosphere of The Business Centre, cherishing the friendly environment and the wonderful customers she has come to know over the years.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate her legacy of warmth, dedication, and exceptional service, which will forever be part of the heart of our community. As Lynne prepares to step into the next chapter of her life, we’re deeply grateful for everything she’s contributed and she will be greatly missed.
Sarah Daltrey: The Welcoming Presence of Our Afternoon Hospitality
Sarah Daltrey is the friendly face and voice of The Business Centre in the afternoons. Whether she’s handling calls or greeting visitors, she ensures that everyone who walks through the doors feels valued.
Originally from London but raised in Wales from the age of six, family has always been at the centre of Sarah’s life.
She takes immense pride in fostering her grandson and cherishes every moment with him. Her home is also filled with the playful energy of her two dogs, Poppy and Dougie.
Sarah joined the team to find a renewed sense of purpose after her children became independent. Outside of work, she loves nothing more than spending time with her grandson and her beloved dogs.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate her kind-hearted nature that makes everyone who crosses her path feel welcomed.
Karen Mote: A Steady Force in Reception
Karen Mote joined The Business Centre just weeks before the world changed.
Starting her role in early 2020, she had only three and a half weeks of normality before the first lockdown hit. Juggling a new job during a global pandemic wasn’t easy, but she took it all in stride.
Previously working in retail, Karen was looking for a change—and she found it at The Business Centre. Now, as part of our brilliant reception team alongside Lynne and Sarah, she spends her days handling calls, greeting visitors, sorting the post, and managing various ad hoc duties to keep things running smoothly.
Patience is key in this role, and Karen has it mastered, always staying calm under pressure.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Karen’s positive attitude that makes her a vital part of the team, bringing a sense of calm and reliability to everything she does.
The Women-Owned Businesses at The Business Centre
We’re proud to be home to a growing community of women entrepreneurs who bring their vision, determination, and passion to life every day. Currently, there are 10 women business owners operating from our serviced offices.
This International Women’s Day, we’re raising a glass to these incredible inspirational women and the businesses they’ve built across sectors, from health and wellness to consulting, training, and beyond:
Angela Bindley – Strategy Sense
Sharan Dhaliwal – Caremark Cardiff & The Vale
Kerry Avenell – Adexsi UK
Ceri Jennings – Sparkles Cleaning
Hollie Sullivan – The Face Palace
Rebecca Crosbie – Accord
Louise Adams – Petals Training
Marie Vaile – Marie Vaile Counselling
Tara Halliday – Complete Success
Melissa Monroe – Mel’s Café
These women not only embody the spirit of entrepreneurship but also inspire those around them. As they continue to grow their businesses and make an impact, we’re honoured to support their journey. Here’s to these trailblazing women and all they’ve accomplished!
International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Stories of Inspirational Women at The Business Centre
As we continue to honour International Women’s Day, we’re sharing the powerful journeys of the women who are part of our Business Centre community. Their stories of resilience, growth, and purpose can inspire us all to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
Here are just a few of their stories…
Alison’s Story: Strength & New Beginnings
Life doesn’t follow a straight path—and our Operations Assistant, Alison, knows this better than most. This powerhouse mum of four has faced immense challenges, including the loss of her husband just over a decade ago. But through grief, she found strength.
Looking for a fresh start, she made the bold move from Oxfordshire to Cardiff, embracing change head-on. While navigating life’s twists and turns, she never let go of a dream she once put on hold. Eight years ago, Alison decided it was time—she returned to education, studying Psychology, and proudly earned her Foundation Degree.
Her journey is one of perseverance and reinvention—a true testament to the incredible women who make The Business Centre what it is today.
Mel’s Story: Community, Compassion, & Change
When you step into our in-house cafe, Mel’s Café, you’ll instantly feel at home.
Known as one of the best cafés in Barry, it’s a go-to spot for homemade meals, sweet treats, and a proper cup of fresh coffee and tea.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, meeting a client, or simply unwinding with good food and good company, Mel’s doors are open to all.
Mel is a passionate cook and baker who takes pride in serving up hearty, homey dishes that bring comfort, especially on those hectic workdays. But her impact goes far beyond the kitchen.
A true beacon of community spirit, she has turned her café into more than just a place to eat. It’s a space where you can make a difference.
From raising funds for cancer patients and disadvantaged children to supporting Welsh veterans, her café is a hub of generosity.
Since opening her doors at The Business Centre in 2016, Mel has raised over £6,000 for Welsh charities! She’s also the driving force behind the much-loved Barry Bake Off, a charity event where local bakers compete for the title of best cake creation—all for fundraising for a great cause.
These are some of Mel’s biggest fundraising milestones:
- 2018: £528.57 for Macmillan Cancer Support, £467.50 for Race for Life 5K, and an incredible £1,134.96 for the Welsh Hearts Foundation.
- 2019: £562.84 raised for CLAPA, helping children born with cleft conditions.
- 2020 & 2021: £520.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support, continuing her unwavering support for those affected by cancer.
- 2023: £470.00 for Woody’s Lodge, supporting veterans, and £380.00 for breast cancer awareness.
- 2024: £764.00 for Group 617, another incredible charity helping Welsh veterans.
Year after year, Mel proves that small acts of kindness add up to something truly powerful. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate her incredible contributions to the local community—showing how one woman’s dedication can inspire change and bring people together for a greater cause.
Kirsty’s Story: Building a Sustainable Future
Our Office Cleaning Service Provider
This year, The Business Centre made the switch to Môr Cleaning, a proudly Welsh, fully eco-friendly cleaning company.
Kirsty, the Director of Môr Cleaning, established the business in 2018 as a way to balance work around her young daughter.
What started as a solo venture has grown into an award-winning business with 24 employees and plans to double the team this year.
Driven by a passion for sustainability and wellbeing, Kirsty built one of the Vale’s leading eco-friendly cleaning companies, proving that success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
It has also earned her multiple awards including the 2024 Growth Business of the Year at the Vale Business Awards!
Kirsty has set additional goals for this year, including the launch of a new eco-friendly product range, demonstrating what’s possible when women in business lead with purpose.
Kirsty’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and purpose-driven leadership. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate her and all the women shaping a better, more sustainable future!
Sarah’s Story: Transforming Lives with Altered Tides
Our Virtual Office Business Customer
Sarah Mason is a woman of many talents—balancing a successful career in marketing while pursuing her passion for personal transformation.
As the founder of digital marketing agency, ONCREE, which assists The Business Centre’s marketing campaigns, Sarah has always been dedicated to growth and transformation.
Now, she’s expanding that commitment beyond business, recently training as a Rapid Transformational Therapist and Coach and launching Altered Tides—a platform designed to help individuals break free from limitations in their lives and embrace profound personal growth.
Through innovative methodologies, Sarah helps clients explore the barriers holding them back, understand the thoughts and behaviours shaping their experiences, and take meaningful steps toward self-improvement and self-empowerment.
At 60 years old, Sarah’s decades of self-discovery, resilience, and a deep commitment to uplifting those around her has culminated in the creation of Altered Tides. It’s more than just a personal project, it’s an offering of hope—an invitation for anyone ready to rewrite their narrative and create a future they truly deserve.
Fittingly, ‘Altered Tides’ symbolises navigating life’s ever-changing waves, reframing the meaning of the past, and embracing an abundant future. Just as the tides ebb and flow, Sarah’s approach empowers individuals to alter their own tides and set a purposeful new course.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Sarah for proving that transformation has no age limit. Through Altered Tides, she provides people with the tools to break free from limitations—proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story and step into your full potential.
Tara’s Story: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Success
Our Serviced Office Business Customer
As the leading expert on imposter syndrome and author of two best-selling books—Outsmart Imposter Syndrome and Unmasking—Tara Halliday has helped countless professionals break free from self-doubt and step into their full potential.
Imposter syndrome affects 70% of high achievers, causing stress, burnout, and a reluctance to own their success. Through her business, Complete Success, Tara works with clients worldwide, offering transformative coaching and training to eliminate imposter syndrome permanently.
Her Inner Success programme, developed over years of research and experience, has a 100% success rate in helping leaders overcome limiting beliefs.
Her work has not gone unnoticed—Tara recently reached the finals of the 2024 Business Book Awards, standing out among 300 entries! She is also a preferred supplier for the Welsh Government, delivering expert talks and coaching on imposter syndrome at work.
Before following her passion, Tara had a decade-long career in engineering. But her dream of helping others led her to retrain as a holistic therapist and coach, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your true calling.
Tara’s impact continues to grow—helping more people step into their confidence, own their success, and thrive.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Tara for empowering individuals to overcome self-doubt, shatter limiting beliefs, and embrace their true potential—showing how women can transform not only their own lives but also inspire change in others.
Marie Vaile: Championing Maternal Mental Health and Empowering New Mothers
Our Serviced Office Business Customer
Marie Vaile, founder of Marie Vaile Counselling, is dedicated to supporting new mothers through maternal mental health challenges.
Since starting her business in July 2023, Marie has been offering counselling to help women navigate the pressures of motherhood, providing a safe, non-judgmental space to break down the stigma and shame surrounding maternal mental health.
With a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, Marie’s mission is to help mothers understand that their feelings, whether it’s guilt, shame, or embarrassment, are normal, and they don’t have to live up to society’s impossible expectations.
Marie’s own experience with postpartum mental health deeply influences her approach. After her difficult pregnancy and the early struggles of motherhood, she felt isolated and misunderstood—an experience that fuels her passion to help others feel heard and accepted.
Her goal is to create a future where no mother feels she must hide her true feelings or pretend she loves every second of motherhood.
Marie hopes for more accessible support networks for new mums, both privately and within the NHS, so they can receive the care and understanding they need during one of the most challenging transitions in life.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Marie for her commitment to supporting new mothers, breaking down the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, and creating a safe space where women can embrace their journey with compassion and understanding.
Breaking Barriers & Paving the Way
From the extraordinary team that keeps The Business Centre running smoothly to the inspiring women entrepreneurs building successful businesses here, we are proud to be surrounded by such powerful examples of leadership. This International Women’s Day, we honour all the women who work within The Business Centre. They are breaking barriers, making a difference, and paving the way for future generations.
International Women’s Day: Honouring, Supporting & Empowering Women in Business
At The Business Centre, we also understand that the road to success for many women entrepreneurs is filled with unique challenges—whether it’s trying to achieve a work-life balance or dealing with gender discrimination. But rest assured, we are here to support you every step of the way, helping you thrive and achieve success through it all.
If you’re looking for a flexible workspace in a close-knit, supporting community, we have everything you need. From serviced offices and co-working spaces to virtual offices and business support services.
Here’s to the women of The Business Centre. We will continue to celebrate, uplift, and support you as we move towards a future where equality and opportunity are within reach for all.