The Magazine

Established 2012

The story of the magazine began with a personal search. In 2012, journalist and entrepreneur Janet Kirlew moved to a new area. She needed professional tradespeople to dress her windows, plumb in her washing machine, and carry out electrical work. While she knew a few brilliant tradesmen, she specifically wanted to hire women. After a fruitless search, she realised just how difficult it was to find female tradespeople. She knew something needed to change, and Women in Trade Magazine was born.

The magazine is packed with interviews, advice, practical tips, career stories, and features highlighting women working in their chosen fields. We explore what it’s really like to work in different industries while also looking at what it takes to build a successful career or run a thriving business.

Since 2021, we have featured on our covers a number of high-profile figures, including former First Lady Cherie Blair, property expert Sarah Beeny, horticulturist Frances Tophill, and Spice Girl Mel B.

But the magazine is about more than profiles and success stories. We also explore the deeper issues that affect women at work. We look at everything from what it means to operate in traditionally male-dominated environments to finding new opportunities for women to receive the recognition they deserve.

Our First Cover Story Featuring Lynne Franks OBE who was the inspiration for the character Edina Monsoon in the hit comedy Absolutely Fabulous

Lynne's work was instrumental in launching London Fashion Week.

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Where it all began

Janet launched the publication with just three pence in her pocket, proving that passion, determination, and a clear sense of purpose can turn an idea into an industry-defining movement. Today, she is also the author of Guard Your Glow: How to Rise Above Copycats and Sugar Is Your Anchor: The Invisible Loop. Alongside her work as Editor-in-Chief, she is a motivational keynote speaker and industry awards judge.

Over the years, following that original calling has opened doors to experiences Janet could never have anticipated. Her support for the charity Lepra led to an exclusive invitation to the House of Lords, where she attended a special charity event and met the HRH Duke of Gloucester.

In November 2019, the Victoria Government in Australia spotted her stand at the Business Show and invited her on an all expenses paid tour of Melbourne. During the trip in March 2020, just a week before the COVID-19 lockdowns began, she attended the historic ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup final on International Women's Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). There, she watched Australia defeat India to take the title, enjoyed a live performance by Katy Perry, and met legendary American Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King.

Driven by her love of horse riding and equine care, she accepted an invitation to the British Horse Society “Changing Lives Through Horses” event. There, she had the privilege of hearing HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, speak, and also met actor and President of the BHS Martin Clunes, best known for his role in Doc Martin.

These experiences are a testament to where following a passion can lead. What began with a simple desire to make it easier for women to be seen and supported in the trades has grown into a platform that continues to open doors, challenge perceptions, and celebrate women's achievements.

A Name With a Story

When Janet Kirlew founded Women in Trade in 2012, finding the right name was not easy. She wanted something simple, memorable, and representative of women working across the trades, professions, and businesses, while giving the magazine its own distinct identity.

At the time, there was no other organisation or publication using the name Women in Trade. It became the bedrock of the identity Janet was building entirely from the ground up.

Over the years, we have seen a number of organisations, initiatives, and online communities appear using Women in Trade or variations of the name. We have even come across instances where branding and logos have been remarkably similar to our own. We appreciate, of course, that the words ‘women’, ‘in’, and ‘trade’ are common terms that anyone can use. What matters to us is that there is no confusion about who we are or where our story began.

Therefore, if you come across a group, organisation, initiative, or community using the name Women in Trade, or a very similar variation, please be aware that unless it is specifically identified on our website, it has no connection or affiliation with us.

Women in Trade was born from Janet's vision in 2012. What began with very little, including just three pence in her pocket, has grown into a powerful brand with more than a decade of history, a celebrated magazine, global campaigns, events, and a thriving community of women.

Perhaps the greatest compliment is that a name Janet once worried might not be taken seriously is now a name others want to use.

We are proud of where it came from, proud of what it has become, and, above all, proud that it is ours.

View Janet’s Gallery below to see some of the familiar faces and remarkable people she has met and interviewed along the way. Get in touch to hire Janet for speaking engagements, voiceover work, or media commentary.