FEMALE entrepreneurs are proving they are real live wires in a prestigious business awards programme.

The local heats of the Shell LiveWire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are being dominated by women.

All three finalists in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire competition, due to take place on Wednesday, March 19, are female.

They are Claire Hale, aged 27, of Bromsgrove, who runs Holly's House Nanny and Childcare Agency; Lara Knight, 21, from Kidderminster, who runs a computer repairs and training business called LMK Computer Solutions; and Christine Hope, 25, who has taken over the running of her local village shop, in Longtown, Herefordshire.

One of them will be chosen as the winner at the two counties final, due to take place at Yamazaki Machine Tools, in Warndon, and will go on to compete in the West Midlands regional final in May.

The Shell LiveWire Awards, which are celebrating their 21st year, are aimed at encouraging young people into business. They are open to young owner/managers aged between 16 and 30.

Businesses must have been running for less than 18 months, as the awards are all about developing and rewarding business start-ups.

Locally, the awards are co-ordinated by Steve Ricketts, economic development officer at Worcestershire County Council.

Mr Ricketts said the three finalists had been picked out for their enthusiasm and determination, among other things.

"It is not about having the highest turnover," he said.

"It is about the future potential of the business. Judges look at whether the business has a viable and comprehensive business plan and whether thorough market research has been carried out.

"Business owners need to have made sure there is a market niche for them. It is also about the enthusiasm of the individual to make the business succeed and being flexible but determined."

The winner of the West Midlands regional final goes on to the national final, in June, with a first prize of £10,000 up for grabs.

Since it was launched in 1982, the Shell LiveWire scheme, which is supported by business mentors, has helped more than 490,000 young people in Britain to start their own business.

For more information click on www.shell-livewire.org