Those she be but small she is fiercely clear about the future of women-owned businesses. Local entrepreneur Bini Ludlow of the multi-award winning Bini Fine Foods in Clapton has worked through the challenges of being a woman in business.

In our latest Nub News UP CLOSE and on today, International Woman's Day, we were pleased to be able to ask the 47 year old more about her work and what the future holds for other female entrepreneurs. Oh and how she was often overlooked even though she was the boss.

So first of all, what have been your biggest challenges in running a successful company?

"Finding enough hours in the day to run a business and also have a work life balance. I have worked seven days a week for many years and now that I have found a chef who can run the production side of things has helped considerably. However searching to find the right people to work in a production facility has been challenging.

Is it lonely as a female entrepreneur?

Yes, at times it can be a lonely if I am working alone at home. I think its important to connect with likeminded enthusiastic, driven people through business organisations or groups who you can tap into and support your needs. It helps give you motivation and draw upon other peoples experiences. It is important to surround yourself with positive people.

Now as we ease out of lockdown, with so many businesses predicted to fail, how hard is it to be taken seriously as a female SME owner?

Now that is a good question. It took many years for people to take me seriously. I am 4ft 11 ¾, and a number of times people would look and speak to my husband about my business, lucky he would direct them to me to say that I own and run the company. It makes me laugh because I know I have the upper hand.

Throughout the years I had many people say I would fail, it was a hobby, I am only a teacher, I should go back to teaching and get a steady job but I knew I could be better, be successful with a lot of hard work, in control of my own destiny and ambitions. I believe I have a amazing brand, product and service that people across the UK now enjoy and with lockdown this has been a life saver for those who wanted an authentic Indian curry at home.

Is there still sexism in the commercial world?

Unfortunately I still think there is sexism in the commercial world. Different parts of the world have their own sexism issues. I feel sad that girls are stopped to achieve their ambitions not being able to go to school to have an education, stereotyping women and making a judgement. We are human, whatever colour, gender we are. We are the same inside.

It is unfair and the next generation of girls need to make the change. Stand out from the crowd and to make the difference and to stop this. Women have the same skills, ambitions and determination as any men. We can do anything. It is time for change and it can start today. "

Bini's business has countless awards : She was a Delicious Magazine Produce Awards Finalist 2016, South West Best Local Food to Go in 2015 and the company products currently hold a total of twelve