Economic development leaders have launched a search to find Kent’s most inspirational women entrepreneurs.

Only one in seven businesses in the south east of England are owned by women, leading to Government concern that a vast reservoir of economic potential remains untapped.

Now the South East England Development Agency hopes to redress the balance by setting up a wide network of Women’s Enterprise Ambassadors to act as positive role models.

It is hoped to show women that they can overcome barriers, such as lack of capital, lack of confidence and practical issues such as providing childcare.

Katie LLoyd, the agency’s head of enterprise policy said women were “massively under-represented” in south east enterprise, leading to a missed opportunity both for women and for the region’s economy.

She said: “We are looking for Women’s Enterprise Ambassadors who can inspire others to do what they have done - set up their own business.

“As ambassadors they may speak at local schools or colleges, may be interviewed by local media and they will get invited to networking events every quarter.

“For their own part, they would be doing something very worthwhile and fulfilling a social responsibility. They can also raise the profile of their own business.”

Any women running their own businesses who would like to take part in the ambassador scheme should email their details to joanne@prowse.co.uk.