Lisa Edge

Despite leaving school at just 15 with no qualifications and facing a difficult family situation, Lisa Edge used education as her route out, gaining degree level qualifications while working and raising her children. With a background in education and leadership, she eventually landed a job in the education sector, building a huge network of business associates across Lancashire.

During her work, Lisa noticed a disconnect between the businesses, authorities and funding opportunities in the area. So in 2016, she left the public sector and launched Lancashare. The central online platform hosts information about the latest funding opportunities for the county, a business directory of local suppliers, local tender opportunities, job openings, local training providers, networking groups, events, awards and more.

Lancashare became a huge success and eventually expanded to become GB Shared, with additional branches in Manchester, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Merseyside and most recently the North East.

In 2020, Lisa and her team launched a national youth platform, The Gen, aimed at bridging the gap between education and industry for young adults, many of whom were impacted by the pandemic. The platform has been well received and has won several awards, including the national She Inspires Agent of Change Award in 2021.

“Through GB Shared we’ve helped businesses access over £1bn in local tender opportunities,” Lisa says. “Now we’ve shifted focus to create the UK’s first sustainable marketplace of its kind. We’re proud of the positive impact we’ve made on the local community by reducing unemployment and supporting sustainability.”