Staffordshire businesswoman Deb Leary plans to encourage more women to build high-growth businesses, increase access to finance and ensure they embrace the power of social media after being named president of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs.

Ms Leary is using the launch of its Heart of England Network to outline her plans for the future and urged female entrepreneurs from across the West Midlands to join the organisation and benefit from outstanding peer mentoring and access to unique business opportunities.

Ms Leary, the chief executive of Tamworth-based Forensic Pathways, said: “The region has a history of innovation and, being Birmingham born and bred, I could think of no better start to my role as national president than to form a Heart of England network.

She continued: “The launch event will be a special ‘No Limits’ Conference at Hogarths Hotel in Solihull on November 15, which will look to give potential and existing members the chance to hear about what BAWE is all about and how it can help boost their businesses.

“It will challenge aspirations and give them access to three workshops addressing branding, social media and presentation skills.”

Established in 1953, the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs boasts more than 200 members across the UK.

It offers advice and peer mentoring and is affiliated with the FCEM World Association of Women Entrepreneurs.

To book your place at the ‘No Limits’ Conference, contact 01827 312812 or visit www.bawe-uk.org.