Supporting That Works For Me, Female Start-up of the Year

An award-winning tech entrepreneur says the ‘reassuring support’ from Harper James Solicitors will now help take her business to an exciting new phase in its development.

Jessica Heagren, the co-founder and CEO of That Works For Me, a marketplace for flexible professionals, was named Enterprise Nation’s Female Start-up of the Year winner last month. Her business, which matches flexible workers with flexible employers, wowed judges at the Harper James-backed awards.

As part of her prize, Jessica will receive a free Enable subscription giving her access to our expert team of solicitors. Jessica says this association with Harper James Solicitors, which is built to support ambitious businesses from start-up to scale-up, is a ‘fantastic boost’ for her growing enterprise.

‘I am really looking forward to benefiting from the expertise Harper James Solicitors can provide,' she said. 'We only formed our business in December and there are lots of areas where I hope my company could benefit from specialist advice and support.

'This will include issues like advice around shareholder agreements, GDPR, our privacy policies and website terms and conditions. Knowing I have the support of Harper James is hugely reassuring and I am sure will help in our business journey.’

Reflecting on her award win last month, mum of three Jessica added: ‘It was amazing to be named winner. As part of the final we had to perform a pitch, remotely, to a judging panel. A few minutes before, one of my children was toddling around the house wearing just a nappy so I had to deal with that, clear the room and then just go for it. I didn’t expect to win but I am so proud, particularly when I look at others who have won in the past. It is a real honour.’

That Works For Me aims to easily and quickly connect people looking for flexible, part-time work with recruiters and companies in need of skilled talent. Its mantra is to 'bring businesses the best and most affordable marketplace of experienced professionals in the UK.'

Revealing the inspiration behind her start-up, Jessica explained: 'I worked as strategy and distribution director for DLG in their commercial division managing 600 people across four sites, when I had my first daughter five years ago. I really struggled with the travel and time: I also hated that it took me all day every Friday to get my baby to speak to me again! I spent most Fridays juggling conference calls and emails around Baby Sensory and Ella’s Kitchen pouches. When I had my second daughter, I knew that my style of motherhood couldn’t sit alongside my board-level position, so I left – it was the best decision I ever made.'

She quickly realised others were in the same position and set about creating a business that helped those who wanted to return to work but who weren’t interested in a 9-5, Monday to Friday role. 'So many people I know are working in a more flexible way now,' Jessica added. 'But finding the right role and position can be really hard. That Works For Me aims to make it more straightforward for all involved.'

Jessica and her co-founders have now created a subscription-based model for their business where the cost charged is determined by the business size and needs. Users are also able to pay a monthly fee to access a huge database of potential clients, which is growing by the week.

'Small businesses and agencies often stop themselves accessing the expert help they need and deserve because they believe they’re too small or can’t fill a full-time role,' Jessica said.

'That Works For Me brings these businesses a marketplace of thousands of experienced professionals ranging from social media managers to lawyers: all looking to work flexibly, remotely and outside of the 9 to 5. Over 90% of businesses find the skills they need and deserve when they need them on our totally affordable, digital platform so they can focus on the things that matter, like making money.'

Setting out her vision for the future, Jessica added: ‘Our aim over the next few years is to really grow our client base and to have thousands signed up. So many businesses are now looking for staff to work in a more flexible way. We have ambitious plans but I am determined to make them happen.’

Toby Harper, the CEO of Harper James Solicitors, said: 'I’d like to congratulate Jessica on her brilliant award win. Harper James Solicitors was very proud to support the awards and we are now looking forward to helping That Works For Me in the exciting next phase of development for their growing business.'