A ONE-DAY conference and exhibition in Hampshire next month is geared to encouraging women in the south to realise ambitions of setting up in business.

Guest speakers include Hampshire Business Woman Of The Year, Avril Owton, proprietor of the Cloud Hotel at Brockenhurst, and Wessex Business Woman Of The Year, Sally Lynsky, director of GRP Laminates on the Isle of Wight.

Organisers say women in the south already lead the way when it comes to business. Research reveals that one in five of new business start-ups in the region are by women - the highest percentage for any region in the country.

The conference and exhibition being held on June 26, at Potters International Hotel, Aldershot promises invaluable support and advice on funding, sustainability and growth in today's economic climate and the opportunity to join over 250 fellow women business owners to share experiences.

It will offer panel discussions and what promises to be informative and insightful seminars and workshops focusing on key business issues such as customer relationship management, technology and cost-effective marketing.

Karen Gill, Director of Everywoman magazine said: "In order to maximise their entrepreneurial potential women must take advantage of networking opportunities, continue to develop their business skills and learn to become less risk-averse. We will bring all of these opportunities under one roof at Business Women On The Move.''

The event has been recognised and embraced by both government and industry, including key sponsors, IBM, NatWest, and Business Link, the national business advice service provided by the government's Small Business Service.