The plan for Judy and her husband was to spend a few quiet years in France. That was 9 years ago. Now specialising in currency exhange, she has travelled Europe and worked in estate agents to help with her French. Judy’s past experiences in the UK have contributed to her success as a business woman. You can get in touch with Judy via twitter @JudyMansfield or @NormandyBizGp
Can you briefly describe yourself, some background and your business?
Married, no children, came to France with my husband to live in our holiday cottage in Honfleur for a couple of years… That was 9 years ago! Background is civil service (for almost 25 years). Bought an old mill when we knew we would be here full time, which is where I live and work.
What promoted you to start a business here in France? Did any skills or qualifications gained elsewhere help?
I initially worked as an estate agent for 4 years – helped to perfect my French. Kept self-employed status as Agent Commercial, and work with First Rate FX for companies who want to expand their client base overseas, and who need to transfer money across currency boundaries. My OU studies and qualifications have definitely helped, as has my civil service training as a management trainer. Working in different locations across the world has also given me confidence, and has made it much easier to fit in and to network.
Do you think as a woman it is harder or easier to be in business?
I don’t often think about the gender difference to be honest. There are swings and roundabouts. Sometimes being female can be an asset. In France however, there is definitely an assumption that you are the secretary or clerk, or that you work at a basic level.
Are you able to work you business around your family life?
Very easily – no children, and just husband dogs and chickens to consider! I am grateful that my husband is willing to keep the house going whilst I travel around Europe to bring in the money!
Were your business plans part of your move to France or something you became interested in afterwards?
Not at all – I came to France to make jam and watch the grass grow! Estate agency work was totally by accident rather than design. Interest in business issues grew from there, and I was approached by First Rate FX to market their services in France, then into Europe, which I am delighted to do.
Do you find the various French agencies, such as your local CCI, helpful and willing to assist?
Not especially. I find the language barrier easy to surmount, but the problems caused by cultural barriers do have me tearing my hair out sometimes. If you don’t ask the right question, it is almost impossible to find out what you need to know. And if you don’t know what you don’t know, as it were, it is doubtful the information will be voluntarily given to you. But I keep pushing at the doors…
Are men that you have to deal with in your business life understanding or treating you differently?
As above, I don’t think too much about the gender issue. Because the Ministry of Defence (my UK employer) is predominantly a masculine environment, I got used to working in that sort of culture, and no longer expect to be treated differently.
What is your own personal view of social media such as Facebook and twitter? Good for business?
I am a fervent supporter of the Entrepreneurial Revolution! I use Facebook for business as well as fun, I have 3 accounts on Twitter, and I use LinkedIn, though less than I should.
Do you have anything to say to other women who want to start a business?
If you have an idea you are passionate about, read as many books as you can about starting your own business in general – there are some fantastic UK authors about; Emma Jones (Working 5 to 9) and Judy Heminsley (Working from Home) have each written books about women in business. Once you have decided that you have the entrepreneurial spirit, write a business plan to see whether it will work financially. Then talk to an accountant to see whether it will work in France! Beware of people who will dress up opinion as fact, but be heartened by the many women who have started huge businesses from their kitchen tables – Laura Ashley; Liz Earle beauty products; Anita Roddick, Jo Malone… the list is endless. Read their stories too – I’m sure they all shed tears of frustration before they made their first million!
I’m currently reading a book by Heather Townsend called The Financial Times Guide to Business Networking’ which is probably the best book on the subject of online and offline networking that I have read… and I have read a few!
