THE woman behind a brand of non-alcoholic cocktails has been named one of the most inspiring female entrepreneurs in the UK.

Kate Johnson, who founded Highball Cocktails, was put on a list of 100 dynamic businesswomen compiled by the campaign f:Entrepreneur.

The campaign’s list, the #ialso100, was compiled by Small Business Britain from a record-breaking number of applications in its fifth year.

Kate Johnson launched Highball Cocktails, based in Exbury in the New Forest, said: “It’s such an honour to appear in this list alongside 99 inspirational female entrepreneurs.

“Launching a non-alcoholic drinks brand just before the pandemic was a challenge, but the business is flourishing and we are see huge demand for great-tasting alcohol-free alternatives.

“I’ve always been passionate about supporting other women in business and life in general and I’m thrilled to be joining this group in 2022.”

Kate Johnson had worked for almost 20 years in brand-building and innovation when she launched Highball Cocktails with husband Red. She had become frustrated at how hard it was to find alcohol-free drinks that were not laden with sugar.

Last autumn, the business won a one-star award for its mojito and ginger dream in the Great Taste Awards. There were 14,113 products entered for the prizes, with 5,383 receiving an accolade.

Michelle Ovens, who founded Small Business Britain and the f:Entrepreneur campaign, said: “Congratulations to Kate Johnson of Highball Cocktails and all of the brilliant female entrepreneurs featured in this year’s #ialso100.

“It is so vital that we recognize and celebrate the phenomenal contribution that women running businesses are making across the UK, and the far-reaching, positive impact they are having, not just on the economy, but on wider communities too. The last few years have been hugely challenging for small businesses, yet despite this female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish in the UK, and is very much at the heart of the UK’s recovery.”

Highball Cocktails are available on the business’s own website and from the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, Monkey Brewhouse, the Elderflower Restaurant and Rosie Lea House in Lymington, the Gun Inn at Keyhaven, Sunnyfields Farm in Totton and Lainston House, Winchester.

The full #ialso 100 list can be seen at f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2022/