A BUSINESS woman who started up two North Yorkshire organic stores as well as a virtual PA company is in line for the title of entrepreneur of the year, politicians willing.

Gail Thomas, proprietor of McConnell Thomas stores, both near Helmsley, also owns Core Business Network, which hires out personal assistants via telephone and internet.

Now she has been named as a finalist in the Women In Public Life Awards, sponsored by Scottish Widows. Finalists will be judged by a panel of Parliamentarians and the winners will be announced at an awards reception in London on Wednesday, March 4.

The accolade came as a surprise to Gail who was secretly nominated by all 19 members of staff, covering the three businesses.

One of them, Naomi Newton, store manager for McConnell Thomas, in Park Street, Hovingham, said: “She is an absolute inspiration as a boss.

“Apart from looking after her customers, both here and at her store in Market Place, Kirkbymoorside, she really looks after her staff and therefore has a wonderfully loyal and faithful team who enjoy their work – and that tells with customers.

“She has not only set up three ventures within seven years, but she is also planning to open two holiday cottages – and all this as a terrific mother to her five and four year-olds who would exhaust even an Olympic athlete.

“Gail is always smiling infectiously and rarely takes all the credit for her success.”

Gail, of Wombleton, near Helmsley, said: “I was shocked, flattered and a bit embarrassed. It was a lovely gesture on the part of my staff and totally unexpected. I really have to live up to the compliment. My formula? Just being honest. We all want a nice, happy existence and as work is a big part of life we want to be happy there too. Honesty of approach is the best policy. There are no secrets between myself and the staff.”