Rebecca Sutherland is no stranger to the world of business. With multiple successful ventures under her belt, she’s carved out a name for herself as an entrepreneur and female investor, driven by her passion for making businesses better. But for Rebecca, it’s not just about profits—it’s about aligning with values, empowering others, and staying true to herself.
Born Entrepreneur
Rebecca’s entrepreneurial journey started from a sense of not quite fitting into the traditional workplace. “I struggled being an employee, so being an entrepreneur was the only option,” she shares. Her passion? Fixing things—whether it’s a broken business model or an overlooked opportunity—Rebecca is all about spotting issues and turning them around with her expertise and vision.
Investing in People, Not Just Ideas
As both an entrepreneur and investor, Rebecca’s approach to backing businesses goes beyond the balance sheet. “For me, it’s all about values,” she says. When she looks at founders, she wants to see honesty, integrity, and a passion for improvement. “If someone’s got a great idea but they’re executing poorly, I can help them—but we need to align on values first.” Rebecca’s sweet spot is working with individuals who share her passion for creating something better, and she’s clear that values always come before potential profits.
Challenges of a Female Entrepreneur
Navigating traditionally male-dominated industries hasn’t been without its challenges. From being asked to “speak to the man in charge” to complaints being taken to her husband (who works with her), Rebecca has faced unprofessionalism and bias head-on. “Men don’t face the same questions women founders do,” she says. “I’m trying to change things, and not everyone likes it.” Labels like ‘Mumpreneur’? She’s not a fan—they diminish the achievements of female entrepreneurs. Rebecca is committed to changing these stereotypes and encouraging more women to take control in business.
Battling Imposter Syndrome
Despite her success, imposter syndrome is something Rebecca still struggles with. “It’s tough to back yourself sometimes,” she admits. While she doesn’t worry much about what others say, balancing the many responsibilities of being an entrepreneur often leaves little time to celebrate wins. Her solution? Surrounding herself with a strong, supportive team that believes in her values. “They remind me of my wins and help me focus on the lessons I’ve learned from any mistakes.”
Female Entrepreneurs: Bringing Something Different
Rebecca doesn’t buy into the “men vs. women” narrative in entrepreneurship, but she does believe women offer a unique perspective. “Female board members bring diversity of thought, and their presence is a signal to other women that they’re capable.” She also believes women tend to have less ego in business, focusing more on value and purpose rather than status.
Proud Moments and Milestones
One of Rebecca’s proudest moments came when she sold her first business, a lettings agency. “I turned it around in six months with no business partner, and it encouraged me to keep going.” That success became the blueprint for her future projects, giving her the confidence to build other businesses from the ground up.
Keeping the Motivation Alive
So, what keeps Rebecca moving forward, especially when times get tough? “If I’m struggling, I’ll blast ‘Unstoppable’ by Sia and dance around the living room. I also play that song daily for my kids to motivate them for their day.” For Rebecca, the focus isn’t on financial success—money gives options, but adding value and making a real impact is what truly drives her. “I’m not motivated by money alone; I want to create something that leaves a mark and adds value to the world.”
Balancing Life and Work
Rebecca is clear on one thing: success doesn’t mean working yourself into the ground. “I don’t believe in working 80 hours a week to be successful,” she says. Family time and personal experiences matter, and she encourages the entrepreneurs she invests in to maintain that balance. “Missing out on life isn’t worth it,” she adds.
Advice for Female Founders Seeking Investment
Her advice for women seeking investment? “Find your people,” she says. “Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, ask for help, and remember what you’ve already achieved.” Rebecca suggests building a network of strong supporters—those who will lift you up during the tough times and remind you of your capabilities, not just women, men bring value to this too. She’s a firm believer that having the right people around you is invaluable.
Looking Ahead
While Rebecca isn’t focused on any specific industry, she’s always on the lookout for individuals doing things differently. “It’s not about the sector; it’s about the values.” She’s excited to continue empowering entrepreneurs who share her vision for creating businesses that not only generate profit but also add real value to the world.
Rebecca Sutherland’s journey is a testament to the power of aligning values with business success. Her story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs—especially women—who are navigating the complexities of running a business in a male-dominated landscape. And as Rebecca herself says, “You are your only true competition.”
Rebecca Sutherland Bio
Rebecca Sutherland is an investor and entrepreneur with a passion for turning overlooked businesses into market leaders. As the Founder of Aluminium Fire Systems, she has built a reputation for reshaping industries by transforming “boring” businesses into opportunities for growth. Rebecca specialises in identifying potential where others see roadblocks, driving profitability through innovative solutions and strategic direction.
With a strong focus on business acquisitions and turnarounds, Rebecca doesn’t just invest in companies—she redefines what’s possible. Her ventures, including PITCHINVEST and Harbar Six Limited, are dedicated to fueling the rise of founders who refuse to play by the old rules. She’s on a mission to back visionary leaders who challenge assumptions and disrupt the status quo in their industries.
Originally from Birmingham, Rebecca’s reach extends across international borders connecting growth-oriented businesses with the resources they need to thrive. Her unique ability to bring investors and entrepreneurs together has enabled countless ventures to achieve success on their own terms.
For Rebecca, it’s about more than just the bottom line. She believes in empowering teams, fostering creativity, and ensuring that people—not just profits—are at the heart of every business. Whether she’s guiding emerging leaders, scaling businesses, or investing in disruptive ideas, her commitment to shaping the future of UK business is undeniable.
With a growing community of 10,000+ followers, Rebecca is leading the charge for founders who are ready to break boundaries and turn their bold visions into reality.
