A SERIES of specialist conferences aimed at encouraging women to take the plunge into business are coming to North Yorkshire.

The Prince's Trust has organised seminars and workshops to give practical advice to Ryedale women who are thinking of setting up their own enterprise.

Project co-ordinator Ann Bass said they were hoping to tap into undiscovered potential.

"Working women with responsibilities are nothing new in this area, and are a valuable and under-utilised resource," she said.

"Their potential role in local economy cannot be underestimated and they have a huge part to play."

Although 51 per cent of the region's population is female, the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward states that only 33 per cent of businesses are started up by women.

Mrs Bass said they hoped to appeal to women who were unemployed or under-employed, working only on a part-time basis.

The half-day conferences, which will run at Malton, Kirkbymoor-side, Pickering and Helmsley, are designed to give confidence, motivation, inspiration and advice to local women who would like to work for themselves, she said.

"It's really to let people know what help is available.

"We also want to make ladies realise that bank managers are far more approachable - they want to know about new business ideas."

Money was available from the Prince's Trust, she said, to help women with transport difficulties, and child care facilities could be arranged.

Angelika Kitching, general manager for the Prince's Trust North Yorkshire, said: "We are passionate about turning untapped potential into real success.

"We have identified that young women may face many barriers when trying to set up in business. These sessions are aimed at helping to break down these barriers.

"The Prince's Trust say yes you can."

Anyone interested in attending the free conferences, which start on February 27, should phone Ann Bass on 01904 782206.

Updated: 11:16 Monday, January 20, 2003