Empowering Midwives with Lifesaving Training
Midwives are a fundamental part of our NHS, and up to date training is adequate to keep women and children safe. However, for those working through agencies, accessing mandatory training can be a challenge. Liz Ekanem founded Divine Consultants to ensure that all midwives have the opportunity to gain the skills and training needed to provide expert care in high-pressure situations.
A lifelong commitment to maternity care
Liz’s career in midwifery spans decades and continents. Beginning as a nurse in Nigeria in 1976, she later trained as a midwife and gained extensive experience in both private and public healthcare. Her passion for professional development led her to the UK in 1997, where she went to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine studying reproductive health in developing countries. In 2001 she became a student midwife and qualified in 2003 where she discovered her passion for midwifery and began working in hospitals across Essex and London. Over the years, Liz has not only delivered countless babies but has also trained midwives across Africa and the UK, helping to improve maternal healthcare worldwide.
Recognising a gap in training for agency midwives, she launched Divine Consultants a decade ago, with a focus on obstetric emergency training. From breech deliveries to postpartum haemorrhage, Liz’s courses help midwives refine the critical skills they need to manage complex births safely and effectively.
Accessible workspace close to London
With growing demand for her training, Liz needed a professional, accessible location to conduct one-to-one training and small-group sessions. After struggling to find a suitable space in London, she discovered Waterhouse Business Centre in Chelmsford—just a short drive from her home. The convenient location, professional setting, and access to meeting rooms made it the ideal base for Divine Consultants.
“I was praying for an office, and I stumbled across Waterhouse Business Centre. It was exactly what I needed,” Liz recalls. “The team here is fantastic—supportive, professional, and always willing to help.” The flexibility of booking larger rooms at discounted rates means she can seamlessly scale her training sessions as needed, without unnecessary overheads.
Founding Proud To Serve Healthcare Ltd
Liz’s dedication to healthcare doesn’t stop at midwifery training. She recently founded Proud To Serve Healthcare Ltd a domiciliary care business providing essential support for adults needing assistance with daily living. Currently in the process of gaining Care Quality Commission registration, Liz’s goal is to ensure high-quality, compassionate care for individuals in need, continuing her lifelong mission of improving healthcare services.
Business Lessons from Liz
Liz’s journey from frontline midwife to business owner has taught her invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship. For SME owners looking to grow, she offers this advice:
- Integrity is key: “Never compromise on your values. People trust you with their lives in healthcare—you must be honest and uphold high standards.”
- Be adaptable: “Diversification is essential. Relying on a single income stream can be risky, so explore new opportunities that align with your expertise.”
- Leverage your network: “Word of mouth has been crucial for my business. Build strong relationships, and let your work speak for itself.”
Preparing to retire whilst growing multiple businesses
As Liz prepares to retire from hospital night shifts in April 2025, she is fully focused on growing Divine Consultants and launching Proud To Serve Healthcare. With plans to expand her training services internationally and work on advisory committees for private hospitals in Nigeria, she is determined to leave a lasting impact on global maternity care.
