Rebecca is an investor and entrepreneur with a passion for turning overlooked businesses into market leaders.
As the founder of Aluminium Fire Systems, she has built a reputation for reshaping industries by transforming “boring” businesses into opportunities for growth over the past 20 years. Rebecca specialises in identifying potential where others see roadblocks, driving profitability through innovative solutions and strategic direction.
With a strong focus on business acquisitions and turnarounds, Rebecca doesn’t just invest in companies, she redefines what’s possible. Her venture HARBAR SIX, is dedicated to fuelling the rise of founders who refuse to play by the old rules. She’s on a mission to back visionary leaders who challenge assumptions and disrupt the status quo in their industries. She does this by putting founders through a fast-track six-month accelerator program with the best industry experts, such as finance, sales, and marketing to ensure their skill gaps are filled, giving them a solid foundation to double their growth.
Originally from Birmingham, Rebecca’s reach extends across international borders, connecting growth-oriented businesses with the resources they need to thrive. Her unique ability to bring investors and entrepreneurs together has enabled countless ventures to achieve success on their own terms.
For Rebecca, it’s about more than just the bottom line. She believes in making sure the founders align with her values of integrity, transparency, kindness, and innovation and that people, not just profits, are at the heart of every business. Whether she’s guiding emerging leaders, scaling businesses, or investing in disruptive ideas, her commitment to shaping the future of UK business is undeniable.
With a growing community of 11,000+ followers on LinkedIn, Rebecca is leading the charge for founders who are ready to break boundaries and turn their bold visions into reality.
How often have you said “yes” when you really wanted to say “no”?
It might have been a favour that stretched your time thin, a meeting that could have been an email, or a work project that didn’t align with your values but felt impossible to decline. Many of us have been there. Saying “yes” is often easier, more socially acceptable, and perceived as the polite thing to do. But what if the real power move lies in the word we use too little: no?
Saying no, kindly and clearly, is not just an act of self-preservation; it’s a skill grounded in empathy, integrity, and strength. In fact, in a world that often equates busyness with importance, choosing to say no is one of the most radical, values-driven actions you can take.
The myth of being nice
Women, especially, are socialised to be agreeable, helpful, and accommodating. We’re told that saying no is selfish, or worse, rude. But niceness is not the same as kindness. Niceness is about keeping the peace. Kindness, real kindness, often requires courage. And assertiveness, being able to voice your needs and boundaries with clarity and respect, is an essential part of that.
Assertiveness is not about conflict. It’s not about saying no for the sake of being difficult. It’s about honouring your own needs, capacity, and values. And when done with empathy and honesty, it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself and others.
Saying no with grace
Saying no well doesn’t mean burning bridges or being uncooperative. It means communicating clearly, with kindness and without over-apologising. Phrases like:
- “Thank you for thinking of me, but I won’t be able to take this on right now.”
- “I’m honoured to be asked, but I’m currently at full capacity.”
- “That doesn’t align with my current priorities.”
These are all valid, respectful ways to decline.
And here’s the truth: the more we practice saying no with integrity, the more we build trust with ourselves and others. People come to understand where you stand. Your yes becomes more meaningful because it isn’t given out of guilt or obligation.
The ripple effect of your boundaries
When we lead with our values and draw kind, clear boundaries, we give others permission to do the same. We shift workplace cultures away from burnout and towards balance. We model a different kind of leadership—one that doesn’t hinge on overwork, martyrdom, or people-pleasing, but on clarity, empathy, and mutual respect.
Saying no also makes space for better yeses. The yeses that bring energy, growth, and purpose. The yeses that light you up rather than drain you.
Building your assertiveness muscle
Like any skill, assertiveness takes practice. Start small. Choose one situation this week where you might normally say yes out of habit, and try saying no. Observe how it feels—in your body, in your mind, in your relationships. You may be surprised by how liberating it is.
And if it feels hard? That’s okay too. Many of us are unlearning years of social conditioning that taught us to prioritise being liked over being authentic. Assertiveness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest. About aligning your decisions with your values. About showing up for yourself with the same compassion you show others.
The bottom line
Saying no is not a weakness. It’s not negative. It’s a power move. A kindness to yourself. A boundary that protects your time, energy and integrity. And in a world that demands more and more, reclaiming your no might just be the most powerful thing you do.
So here’s your gentle reminder: you don’t have to say yes to prove your worth. You are enough, as you are, even when you say no.
Because when no is rooted in kindness, it becomes a full sentence—and a powerful one at that.
