Furness Enterprise is one of eight organisations in the country and the only organisation in the south of Cumbria to become an accredited Women's Business Centre (WBC).  Furness Enterprise received the award at the Women in Business Awards at Ribby Hall Village at the end of January 2010.

Val Robinson, Funding and New Start Manager at Furness Enterprise said: "I am delighted that Furness Enterprise has been recognised for the support we provide to women.  It is extremely important that the right business assistance, advice and training are available to women entrepreneurs.  National statistics show that women are currently significantly under-represented in business in the Northwest and the UK and it is important that we work to address this.  Women already play a significant role in the UK economy and more and more women are starting businesses and become self-employed - currently 44% of all new start businesses receiving support through Furness Enterprise are female owned".

The Women's Business Centre Quality Standard is a new international standard of excellence for targeted women's enterprise support being piloted in the North West of England with funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.  It is a three year pilot programme and recognises the importance and potential of Women Business Centres across the region.

Notes for Editors:

1.  The first phase of the WBC Pilot seeks to identify 15 organisations to be fast-tracked through to achieving the Standard with support from a bursary scheme provided by the NWDA.

2. Furness Enterprise is the development agency for the Furness area.  It provides total business support packages to companies of all sizes as part of its mission to create a more diverse local economy and increase entrepreneurship.

3.  The Working Neighbourhood Fund support a range of projects currently being delivered by Furness Enterprise.  These include new inward investment into the area, support to local people to access jobs and advice and information to assist local businesses to grow.  The Working Neighbourhood Funding is provided by Barrow Borough Council.

4.  People looking to set up a new business or existing businesses contemplating expansion should call 01229 820611 and ask for a free advice session from the Furness Enterprise team.

5.  A comprehensive range of business support is available from Furness Enterprise.

For further information please contact:

Val Robinson, Funding and New Start Manager, Furness Enterprise Limited, Waterside House, Bridge Approach, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2HE

Telephone 01229 820611.   Fax 01229 827226.   Email: vrobinson@furnessenterprise.co.uk