FEMALE business leaders who have put their town on the national map for women in enterprise have played a major role in a new report from the Federation of Small Businesses.

As part of its report, entitled "Women in Enterprise: The Untapped Potential", the Federation (FSB) turned to businesswomen in Helmsley for an insight into the specific challenges faced by women in rural areas.

The town is home to a thriving networking of businesswomen, with 60 per cent of independent businesses in Helmsley owned by women, far surpassing the national average of 18 per cent.

The report explores the specific challenges faced by women-led businesses and makes recommendations for improving support, developing mentoring networks, and increasing the diversity of business ambassadors.

To further the recommendations of the report, FSB plans to launch a dedicated ‘Women in Enterprise Taskforce’ to support woman entrepreneurs and business owners.

While the report finds women-led businesses face many of the same challenges all small firms encounter, including cash flow issues and difficulty accessing finance, there appeared to be issues which were more acute for women business owners.

FSB spoke to more than 1900 women business owners in the UK. It found key challenges included balancing work and family life, achieving credibility for the business and a lack of confidence.

Emma Smailes, North Yorkshire-based development manager for the FSB, said: "It was essential that the voice of Women in Rural Enterprise was an integral part of the report.

"The challenges they face are particularly unique but faced throughout our Rural Communities.

"We were delighted to engage the women from Helmsley in Business. It was clear that while they do face challenges, the women in Helmsley have a fantastic business community, working together for the economic prosperity of the town."

Carolyn Frank, Helmsley in Business committee member and owner of Libby Butler Jewellers, added: "We are always delighted to work with the FSB, who are a key partner for us, because of the incredible support they provide to small businesses and it’s wonderful to see so much input from Helmsley in the final report.

"This report will go a long way towards real, practical business help for the small business community in Helmsley and nationwide.

"We definitely see the benefits of collaboration here, and with 60 per cent of businesses owned by women in town, a lot of that is women working together to help each other and improve the local economy.

"I’m inspired by all my colleagues here at Helmsley in Business, it’s a great place to live and work, but not all business communities are as lucky as we are."