Emma Heathcote-James

Emma Heathcote-James founded the Little Soap Company in 2008, frustrated by the lack of natural and organic soaps in supermarkets. The company has since become the first organic and natural soap brand to be sold nationally in major retailers. Emma played a key role in expanding the company's presence in various stores and online retailers.

In 2010, Emma founded the Little Soap School, offering courses on making natural soaps, creams, balms, and perfumes. The school has attracted numerous students who have gone on to start their own soap-making businesses.

Emma was recognized for their entrepreneurial success and achievements in various awards and competitions. Emma won the Scale Up Business Award in 2019 from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and the Best Rural Retail Business Award in 2018 from The Rural Business Awards. Emma was also a finalist for Business Woman of the Year in 2018 at The Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards.

Prior to the Little Soap Company, Emma founded Spotty Dog Productions Ltd in 2002, a boutique press and PR agency for the Creative Industries. Emma worked on various contracts, including for the University of Gloucester Media Knowledge Exchange Specialist and Lifelong Learning Consultant. Emma organized events, masterclasses, and conferences, and also played a role in bringing the academy into the community.

Emma Heathcote-James has a diverse education history. Emma attended Edgbaston High School for Girls in Birmingham from 1989 to 1995. After that, they went on to study at the University of Birmingham, earning a BA(Hons) in Theology from 1995 to 1998. Emma then pursued further studies at the same university, completing an MPhil and PhD research in The Anthropology/Sociology of Religious Experience from 1998 to 2001.

In addition to their studies at the University of Birmingham, Emma also pursued a Consultancy Certificate (CMCE) at the Business School of the University of Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, the duration of this program is not provided.

Emma later attended Aston Business School, where they undertook various programs. In 2013 to 2014, they completed the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Programme, which focused on Mini MBA studies. In 2020, they enrolled in the Productivity through People program at Aston Business School, with a concentration in Business Management. Emma also completed an additional Finance Module under the same program, specializing in Accounting and Finance from 2020 to 2021. Furthermore, in 2021, Emma completed the Help to Grow - Management (cohort 1) program at Aston Business School.

Overall, Emma Heathcote-James has a strong educational background, with a focus on theology, anthropology/sociology, and business management.