♀️Swindon & Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women 2026 | Ashlea Fisher
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we’re celebrating Swindon & Wiltshire’s most inspiring women.
Through our website and social media channels, we asked our readers which women in our community inspire them and created a list of 20. The list will be featured in our Spring magazine and every weekday throughout March we are profiling and championing each of these fantastic women online and via our social feeds.
Today we put the spotlight on Ashlea Fisher, Founder of iRecruit4.
Tell us more about you and your work…
I’m a mum of three teenage daughters and based locally near Swindon. My business, IRecruit4 works as a true recruitment partner, embedding ourselves into our clients’ business structure, culture and goals. We deliver real human value by understanding workplace challenges, team dynamics and long‑term vision, identifying organisational staffing needs, recruiting qualified candidates and selecting the best calibre of talent for each role. Specialising in temporary and permanent recruitment across multiple sectors, we focus on finding the right hire at the right time to add lasting value to businesses across Wiltshire.
What are you most proud of?
What I’m most proud of is building iRecruit4 from the ground up in 2024 and, in our very first year, achieving £1 million in turnover with a clear trajectory toward £2 million. But beyond the numbers, my greatest achievement is the trust we have built, adding real value to businesses, embedding ourselves as long‑term recruitment partners and forming relationships based on honesty, understanding and results. Creating a business that clients rely on, return to and grow with is something I’m incredibly proud of.
How does it feel to be recognised as one of Swindon & Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women?
It’s incredibly humbling and rewarding. To be recognised among so many inspiring women across Swindon and Wiltshire means a great deal, especially as a female business owner who built iRecruit4 from the ground up. This recognition isn’t just about personal achievement, it reflects the trust clients have placed in me and my team, the relationships we’ve built, and the real value we deliver to local businesses. I hope it also shows other women that with resilience, authenticity, and belief, it’s possible to build something meaningful and successful.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is about recognition, progress, value and the power of women supporting each other. For me, it is a moment to reflect on the journey of building a business while raising a family, breaking barriers and proving that success does not have to come at the cost of values or authenticity. It is also about visibility, showing the next generation, including my three daughters, that women can lead, build and succeed on their own terms.
This year’s IWD theme asks us to think about how giving benefits everyone. What’s an example from your work or community life where supporting another woman led to something meaningful in return?
I believe supporting other women creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Recently, I guided a young woman starting out in recruitment, sharing insights from my own journey and helping her build confidence in client management. Seeing her thrive, contribute to her team, and achieve results reminded me that when we invest in each other, it not only empowers individuals but also strengthens businesses and the wider community
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust your instincts, embrace every challenge, and above all, be yourself. Success doesn’t come from trying to fit a mould, it comes from staying authentic, working hard, and believing in your own abilities, even when the path feels uncertain. We all learn from mistakes, and by letting strong communication skills and a commitment to excellent customer service shine, authenticity and care become your greatest strengths.
This feature is sponsored by Goughs Solicitors. The team at Goughs believe in championing ambition, celebrating achievement and creating opportunities for women to connect, lead and thrive.
