Hertfordshire's vibrant business landscape is teeming with remarkable women who have made their indelible mark in their respective fields. In this empowering listicle, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of three inspiring women who have transformed the funeral, legal, and property industries in Hertfordshire. 

These trailblazers exemplify determination, resilience, and unwavering passion. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the remarkable stories of Hertfordshire's leading ladies in business.

 

Sandra Foster - Managing Director, Solicitor and owner of Fosters Legal Solicitors

The Comet:
Sandra Foster is a Solicitor, and the Managing Director and founder of Fosters Legal Solicitors based in the Old Town Stevenage and Peterborough.

Sandra is originally from Ghana, West Africa. She came to the UK in 1999 to study a degree in administration and law and also holds a Master of Law degree. She is now a qualified solicitor practising primarily in family law.

The firm is rated top 3 in Stevenage by ThreeBestRated. Sandra is the driving force behind the success of the firm due to her love and commitment to helping the low-income clients in the community. She provides free legal advice, working pro bono in cases of domestic abuse where the parent has no money and is fleeing his or her family home. She has also donated money from her own pocket, paid for shopping for essentials, and spent time visiting victims.  

Because of the firm’s vision and achievements, it was recognised as a National Business Leader in 2016 for its community work and support of low-income clients.

Sandra Foster is now a Reverend, Pastor, Solicitor and has been a Member of the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Ireland since 2021. Sandra said she is even more determined to do whatever she can to help the people who come into contact with her. Sandra is also available to attend events and speak about her experiences, so don’t hesitate to contact her office should you wish her to appear at your event.

Sandra said it is always her vision to encourage, inspire, and motivate people to achieve what they think is impossible. Therefore, her message today is “the steps you take will determine how far you can go in life.”

 

Claire Austin - Managing Director of Austin’s

The Comet:
You might be forgiven for thinking that the world of the funeral director does not change much. But behind that sense of tradition, things are changing and for Claire Austin, Managing Director of Hertfordshire-based Austin’s, that means that she and her staff must constantly move with the times.

That, in itself, can be a challenge for a business that can point to a history which stretches back more than three centuries in the county. Austin’s is still based in Hertfordshire and Claire said: “We have to be aware of the company’s long history but you cannot afford to stand still in our business.”

Claire is the tenth generation of the family to be involved in the business. “I enjoy the challenges, one of which is the way that the nature of funeral services is changing. More and more people see a funeral service as a celebration of a life that has been lived rather than a mourning of the person who has died.”

Although originally established in Stevenage, Austin’s now has branches throughout north and east Hertfordshire. They opened in Harpenden last year and have just relocated their Hertford funeral arrangement office and Chapels of Rest.

In the autumn of this year, they will be opening Austin’s Natural Burial Park in Stevenage. This will be located adjacent to the Memorial Gardens at Harwood Park, overlooking the stunning views of the Hertfordshire countryside. The area will be left to meadow but will be planted with mature London Plane Trees.

 

Holly Joyce​ - Area Centre Manager at Mantle Space Ltd


Holly Joyce has been a loyal employee at Mantle Space for nearly eight years, showcasing a remarkable journey that spans from Client Services Co-ordinator at The Officers’ Mess, near Royston to Area Centre Manager. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication have made her an indispensable asset to the company, known for her exceptional service and leadership.

Her current role as the Area Centre Manager involves travelling to all centres including Kings Court, Stevenage to provide holiday, sickness cover & offer support for members and teams. Holly’s presence is a reassuring constant for her colleagues and clients alike, always ready to lend an ear or an extra pair of hands.

A key part of her role includes training new starters and the current team, ensuring that the high standards which Mantle Space adopt are consistently upheld. Holly’s commitment to professional development is evident in the way she encourages new talent and supports ongoing learning within the team. Her collaboration with Lucy Campbell-White, Operations Manager, is crucial to the smooth functioning of the business centres, making her the go-to person for system issues or general advice.

Holly’s approach to her work is both professional and personal, a combination that has significantly contributed to the high member retention rates at The Officers’ Mess. She takes pride in delivering the best customer service, handling everything from stocking coffee machines to assisting new clients move into their new office space with the same level of dedication and attention to detail. Her support is not limited to administrative tasks; she is deeply involved in enhancing the overall member experience, ensuring that every interaction is positive and productive.

Her previous experience within pubs, restaurants, and working within the Hilton Hotel chain has equipped her with a wealth of customer service knowledge, which she brings to her current role. This diverse background has honed her skills in managing various aspects of service and operations, making her an expert in creating welcoming and efficient environments.

Outside of work, Holly Joyce enjoys a range of activities that reflect her personality. She loves to cook and dine out, practices Pilates and swimming, and occasionally enjoys a pint of Guinness at her local pub. These hobbies not only provide her with relaxation but also add to her well-rounded character, making her a relatable and approachable leader.