Jackie's stylish hair ideas hit success spot

An event at the town hall heard the success story of Jackie Gordon, chief executive of G-Spot Hair Salon in Chorley Old Road, Bolton.

Jackie, who started training to be an accountant after leaving college, then identified an opportunity to market Afro-Caribbean hair products, styles and procedures.

She also realised that there were not enough salons specialising in this client group.

Her audience heard her tell of her travels in Europe and America, building up a global business.

The event was part-funded by the European Social Fund and was held to recognise the special achievements and significant contributions which ethnic minority women make to Bolton's economy.

It was also designed to encourage other ethnic minority women to set up their own businesses.

Barriers to business start-up and development include lack of skills, access to training programmes and childcare provision.

More than 50 ethnic minority women entrepreneurs were awarded certificates for completing a business and management skills programme.

Cllr Rosa Kay, Bolton Council's Executive Member for Human Resource and Diversity, said: "We are committed to helping women from all backgrounds to excel in business and the labour market.

"The programme of support the Ethnic Minorities Business Service has developed is excellent and takes into account the barriers these women face.

"I commend this service and encourage all women from this section of the community to participate in these programmes."

Sikander Badat, head of the Ethnic Minorities Business Service, said: "Ethnic minority women face many barriers when considering self-employment.

"It is our role to try to remove these barriers, making it easier for women to participate in the programmes and go on to develop competitive, sustainable businesses."

Ethnic women interested in establishing a business, or attending EMBS seminars, are asked to contact Aysha at Bolton Enterprise Centre on 01204 336150.