Female entrepreneurs from across the county joined together at the Spark for Women Business Essentials Conference, an event specifically designed for women looking to start their own business.

Launched this year and delivered by Truro and Penwith College, Spark for Women provides a myriad of skills and support aimed at enabling women to crystallise their idea and launch their new business.

The two-day business essentials event, which is part of a broader five-step programme, saw inspirational talks from the likes of Sara Pugh from Eight Wire; Mel Colton-Dyer from the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, and Jowanna Conboye, from Stephens Scown, who delivered workshops and sessions on their specialist subjects.

Jo Hancock, European projects manger at Truro and Penwith College, said: "It was fantastic to see so many entrepreneurial women, the next generation of start-up businesses, coming together and building a network.

“The enthusiasm in the room and the clear determination to succeed in business was inspiring. One hundred percent of the participants have said they are definitely going to continue on the path to setting up their business and they are so motivated to do it, it truly is an exciting time.”

Those attending were also able to gain insightful one-to-one support from business experts in a high-energy ‘speed dating’ style event which saw consultants answer questions on marketing, finance, funding, sales, accounting and IP.

For more information on Spark for women, please email spark@truro-penwith.ac.uk or call 01872 308241.