Successful business owners went back to the place where it all started for them during a recent event at Newham College’s Women’s Business Centre.

The centre’s EU funded project, Innovate Her, supported 155 female entrepreneurs in east London through workshops, one-to-one business counselling, advice and networking.

The East Ham centre was opened in May 2008 to help women develop a business, or gain education, training or employment.

Among the speakers was Renny Adejuwon, director of childcare service, Eden Mobile Creche. She received help from the centre last year.

She said: “I had childcare qualifications and was motivated to set up a creche.

“But after advice from the Innovate Her team, I realised that I didn’t know as much as I thought.

“I couldn’t imagine talking to large organisations to provide them with a service, but now Eden Mobile will be providing a creche for the South Bank centre.”

Project business counsellor Janice Beckles, added: “Innovate Her was an energy boost injected into female-owned businesses that were ready to grow.

“Within our network are women who have brought new products into the market and women who are now using networking and social media to make new connections and win new business.”