Women in Innovation Success Stories: Lisa Edge, GB Shared

Having developed a business model with equality at its heart, Lisa Edge was ready to stand tall as a woman tech founder and recognised innovator when she applied to the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards. She founded GB Shared in 2016 – a central sharing platform that empowers communities and firms alike to drive change in their own regions and at a global level.

Initially launched in Lancashire, Lisa and her local business community were able to work collaboratively to centralise the opportunities available to each other and their communities.

“We developed a virtual business environment, a central digital platform for our county, called Lancashare, where Lancashire’s business community could work together, ethically and sustainably, a place where they could buy, sell, connect, recruit, advertise, and more, from the comfort of their desk. The more they shared, the more sustainable they became,” she said.

“We found the same positive sustainable impact in every county we grew to, so I wanted to map our customer journey to a global sustainable accreditation so we could educate and reward businesses for the positive impact they were having.  Also, the UK government released a new procurement act in 2023 committing to procuring from sustainable businesses, without a sustainable supply chain in the UK to procure from.“

With GB Shared expanding fast across the UK, they were perfectly positioned to fill the market gap.  Government tenders are now 25% weighted on a business’s sustainable standing, so it’s important that businesses are positioned well, and that the government can procure from them sustainably.”

After winning the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award, Lisa was able to hit a number of significant milestones: expanding into all 4 North East counties, rebuilding the platform and developing an ambassador model.  Building on this momentum, Lisa has since expanded the platform to ten counties, most recently adding Cheshire, with further growth on the horizon.

“GB Shared shares local jobs with local people, impacting local unemployment. It connects businesses, creating local supply chains, stimulates economies and embeds social values. The platform has shared millions in funding and billions in tender opportunities with member businesses, stimulating local economies.” Lisa added.

Growth, support and self-belief

Whilst Lisa was able to make significant strides on her business journey through the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards, the support she received also contributed to her personal development.

“Winning the Women in Innovation Award provided massive external validation of my innovation, the feedback provided helped me to grow, and the application process helped to crystallise my ideas. The Purple Plaque I earned through the programme has helped me aim even higher, smashing barriers and inspiring others,” she explained.  “To have my children watch my plaque presentation and my mum, who looked so proud, was personally an incredible moment for me.”

Meeting other like-minded founders and receiving support from her cohort also encouraged Lisa’s desire to do good.

“Every business I meet wants to make a sustainable difference, but the infrastructure just wasn’t in place for them. These businesses have helped to develop a responsible business framework, where people and the planet win and it’s completely scalable. The support I’ve had has been invaluable, I will continue to share this support with others on a similar journey to mine,” she said.

Embracing the learning curve

As with most entrepreneurs, starting a business involves a steep learning curve. Whilst building GB Shared, Lisa has experienced highs, lows and everything in between.

“So little funding goes to female founders, and there are few opportunities and role models available. Investors can sometimes undermine us, but we have the same capabilities as men so why are there so many risk-based questions for us, but ambitious growth questions for men?” Lisa emphasised.

Rather than letting these setbacks deter her, Lisa embraced the challenge, taking the opportunity to learn as much as possible about her business during the programme.

“Through Women in Innovation, I’ve learned just how much support is out there. The more I’ve learned about funding, support, connections and signposting, the more I’ve shared with others.

“I’ve also learned about the vast landscape surrounding sustainability. It’s not just about solar panels, planting trees and green energy – you can be sustainable by buying locally, selling locally, recruiting locally, helping charities and the youth, operating online and being philanthropic. Now it’s time to share that learning with the masses,” she said.

No glass ceilings

With support and funding secured, Lisa has big plans for GB Shared over the next few years, including recruiting new team members, developing their national youth platform and building an AI-powered app.

For women thinking about applying to Innovate UK, Lisa has the following advice to share:

“Be bold, be brave, and detail your innovation with pride. It’s a thoroughly thought-out application process that, win or lose, will help to crystallise your idea.”

Read more success stories from the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards.