Forward Ladies, a not-for-profit women's business networking organisation, has received funding and support from the RDA but it is now looking to an independent future.

It has opened offices at 1 City Square, Leeds and its founder, Leeds businesswoman Etta Cohen, has taken up the role of managing director.

Elements

Simon Hill, Yorkshire Forward's executive director of business development, said the organisation had proved itself to be "one of the regional development agency's most successful spin offs".

He continued: "Recognising and supporting successful business models and, at the right time, encouraging them to spread their wings and become independent is one of the key elements in our on-going drive to push the economy of the region forward."

Founded by Ms Cohen six years ago, with just five business acquaintances, Forward Ladies now has over 3,000 members.

The name was born shortly after Etta began working at Yorkshire Forward.

She said today: "The RDA's backing and vision of the group's potential has been fundamental to our success and knowing we can still turn to them for support and advice is a great help."

She added: "The original idea behind Forward Ladies was to provide opportunities for women from all walks of life and backgrounds to come together in a comfortable environment with no hard sell or pressure and build both personal and professional relationships."

The group now offers a range of other services, including mentoring, coaching and workshops and its members are also conducting business on an international level through a series of trade missions organised in conjunction with UK Trade and Industry including, earlier this year, the first all female mission to Hong Kong.

Mr Hill added: "Following a call earlier this year by the Government for 1,000 female entrepreneurs across the UK to help and inspire more women to set up their own businesses, we have nominated 100 regional businesswomen to become ambassadors for the initiative.

"As an indication of our confidence in Etta, we have awarded Forward Ladies a contract to deliver the Ambassador programme across the region on our behalf."

Drains

YORKSHIRE entrepreneur Terry Bramall has netted a £600m fortune after selling the business his father founded in 1930 to build drains.

His Doncaster-based construction group Keepmoat has been sold to its management for £783m. Chairman Dick Watson has made around £142.5m after selling his shares in what is the biggest buyout deal recorded in Yorkshire.