THE FOUNDER and director of a multi-award winning nursery distributor based in Liss was invited to speak at Santander’s Women in Business Network event.

Selina Russell founded the Liss-based business Cheeky Rascals and she spoke at the network event titled Be Bold for Change, which formed part of the global celebrations for International Women’s Day.

The event took place at Santander’s head office in London and the day saw inspiring female-led businesses from across the UK come together to offer expert talks, take part in thought-provoking panel sessions, network with likeminded business women and, most importantly, inspire the next generation.

As a new mother working and living in France, Selina was introduced to a variety of innovative and truly unique parenting products which were unavailable to families in the UK.

Soon finding herself sourcing various bits and pieces for friends back home, turning this into a business seemed like a natural next step for Selina.

More than 20 years on Cheeky Rascals has become a recognised name with retailers and manufacturers around the world, and is trusted by parents.

In its two decades Cheeky Rascals has nurtured an enviable portfolio of brands and earned a place as one of the leaders and influencers within the nursery industry.

Selina, a well-known, respected member of the nursery industry sits on the board of the Baby Products Association (BPA), the voice of the baby and nursery products industry in the UK, which works within Europe to develop safety standards.

Last year Cheeky Rascals took over the running of its warehousing operations at Bordon to improve efficiency and customer service.

This year they are launching brands of their own for the very first time.

Selina said: “It’s important to think and plan, but in an unpredictable world, trusting your instinct in making a decision and being able to respond quickly and flexibly is possibly even more valuable.”