Over one million women in the UK work for themselves and women-owned enterprises contribute approximately £70 billion to the national economy. Improving the number of women setting up their own businesses has been identified as a key way to increase the size and scope of the small business sector in the UK.

In February 2007, Margaret Hodge Minister of State for Industry and the Regions, announced the creation of a 1000 strong national network of inspirational women entrepreneurs.

It aims to promote a culture of women’s enterprise whether by starting a business or social enterprise, or by making an innovative idea happen at work.

It is an inspirational and ambitious campaign, backed by an unprecedented coalition of business, charities, education bodies and government – it’s unique in being women focused, business-led and government-backed.

Dawn, an entrepreneur and inductrialist in a male world

Having started my entrepreneurial career very much in a male dominated sector, I feel passionately that more needs to be done to create a sea-change in attitudes. I am proud the be an Ambassador for the NWDA's Women's Enterprise initiative.