Claire Richards, founder of Dorset Coast Wills based in Christchurch, Dorset, has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs.
Claire, who founded her business in 2019, will be featured alongside leading female founders from across the country as part of Small Business Britain’s f: Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, which celebrates the multi-achievements of women running businesses in the UK.
The campaign celebrates 100 exceptional women across the UK who are driving innovation, growth, and positive impact in their communities, while running successful businesses.
Claire Richards is being profiled for her dedication to providing five-star will writing and lasting power of attorney services delivered with empathy, complete risk and cost transparency, and clarity, her commitment to mentoring new Will Writers, her support for Macmillan Caring Locally Hospice in Christchurch, for which she provides monthly free Wills for staff and clients including critical end-of-life Wills, and her commitment to sustainability.
Like many of the #IAlso100, Claire runs another business alongside Dorset Coast Wills, called allthingsraffia. A personal passion since the 1990s, Claire is the only person in the UK and across wider Europe offering workshops, digital courses, and patterns for raffia craft. Raffia is a sustainably farmed material, carefully managed by Madagascan farmers, that is both flexible and durable. Claire’s workshops, which have been described as “culturally and ecologically perfect!!”, enable participants to produce eco-friendly fashion items whilst making time for self-care, tapping into the benefits of craft for mental health.
On being featured in this year’s #IAlso100 line-up, Claire said: “I am incredibly proud to be listed in the #iAlso 100 this year. I know some of the previous winners and the exceptional calibre of the entrepreneurs involved. I am thrilled to be listed amongst them and be recognised for my contribution as a female founder.
I am passionate about the role of older female entrepreneurs and keen to champion this wherever possible. My career has had several chapters, evolving around marriage, children, divorce and a house renovation. I founded a new business in my 50s. Women are capable of reinvention at any age, and I want to inspire other older women to be bold and embrace opportunities.”
Launched in 2017 by Small Business Britain, the f: Entrepreneur campaign aims to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community.
“It is brilliant to feature Claire Richards in this year’s #IAlso100 campaign. All of the female entrepreneurs in this year’s line-up are inspirational and remarkable role models,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain.
“Their creativity, leadership, and community impact show exactly why supporting female founders is so important, not only for the UK’s economic growth but for the positive difference they make to wider society.”
The #IAlso100 campaign offers a host of events, training, and networking opportunities to boost skills, capability, and confidence.
Female entrepreneurship continues to make a powerful economic impact, with estimates suggesting up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men.1
To view the full list of the 100 female business owners featured in this year’s f: Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, visit www.f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2026/
