HUNDREDS of North-East businesswomen gathered to launch a new organisation that aims to support, encourage and promote enterprising women.

The North East Foundation for Women in Enterprise (NEFWE) aims to help women at all stages of their careers, whether as a fledgling start up or a successful business looking to grow.

The foundation is the brainchild of five of the region’s leading businesswomen - accountant Ann Stonehouse, Brenda Davidson, managing partner of Hewitts Solicitors, Julie Donaldson of Outspoken Voiceover, Janice Auton, of Poppys Hairdressing salons and Xivvi design agency owner Pamela Hargreave – who want to pass on their skills and experience to others.

The scheme will offer mentoring and small grants for women aiming to get into business while also actively promoting positive female role models and networking opportunities.

At a sold out launch event held at Wynyard Hall, businesswomen from a wide range of industries heard that NEFWE would run on an ethos of expertise, co-operation and trust.

Funds raised from networking events will be used in turn to provide small scale grants to help women access professional support to turn their ideas and skills into a business.

Ms Davidson said: “The aims and aspirations of the foundation are about supporting businesswomen entering the business world.

“We want to develop opportunities for women to network with other women, whether that be established businesses or new businesses.

“We are looking for women who are prepared to give some of their expertise, time and resources to help those setting up their own businesses and provide mentoring and advice.

“Women know their craft. The difficulty is turning that craft into an effective business.

“The purpose of the foundation is to assist in that process.”

Ms Hargreave added: “You quite often get business schemes run by the public sector but this is business women working on behalf of other women.

“Women tell us there’s a need to meet like-minded business owners and share ideas or get help with the challenges of being self-employed. It can be quite lonely and sometimes you just need to talk things through.”

One of the women at the event was Lindsey Harrison, 27, from Hartlepool, who set up an online business, L&A Children’s Boutique, selling designer children’s clothing, last year.

She said: “Being self-employed is hard but it is so worth it. I found out about the foundation through social media and it has been the most prestigious event I’ve been to.

“I’ve loved the chance to meet new people.”

For more details email info@thefwe.co.uk or follow @thefwe