BUSINESS in East Lancashire has traditionally been a male-dominated affair.

But as a dynamic new group of women is challenging old attitudes, Business Editor Andrew Calvert discovered some the reasons behind their success stories. . .

THE traditional male bastion that is Ewood Park -- home of Blackburn Rovers -- was breached yesterday by scores of successful women.

And their powerful message to the sexists and doubters was: "we're successful -- and we're doing it for ourselves."

Ewood was the venue for the first annual conference of the Unique group, the new women's network for the region, set up by East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

More than 250 women who have made a success in the world of business attended the event, which featured a string of high-profile speakers and workshops.

The keynote speaker was Sahar Hashemi, founder of the national chain Coffee Republic, who had a straightforward message for women in East Lancashire.

"There is nothing to stop any woman from starting her own business," she said. "There should be no barriers to prevent anyone from having the courage to run their own company.".

Hashemi, who turned a dream into reality when her coffee shop grew into a chain of 110 outlets and sales of £30 million, has also written a book "Anyone Can Do It" which is a business best-seller.

She believes a lack of confidence is holding back many women but was full of praise for the Unique network.

"Women need some inspiration before they take the big step of starting in business," she added. "We need role models and I was pleased to see so many women prepared to share their experiences. There should be nothing stopping women except for their own belief."

The Unique network gives women the opportunity to learn and realise their personal development within a successful business community.

By providing support and business information to encourage women into enterprise, the Chamber aims to create an environment which will stimulate, share and encourage developing female managers and business owners to create business solutions and to help women find a balance between work and life.

Hashemi was just one of a number of experienced, motivational female speakers who gave presentations on the day, covering all the relevant issues from networking to personal development.

The other key speaker was Hilary Samson-Barry, of the Women and Equality Unit at the DTI.

A series of workshops were led by Gwen Rhys, the Art of Networking; Lesley Perrin, Creating a Professional Image; Lucy Marder, What About Me; and Rachel Barber, Overcoming Financial Adversity.

Christine Lambe, who manages Unique, said: "It's an exciting time for Unique, as we near 300 members.

"Sahar is widely known as one of Britain's best and most successful entrepreneurs and was be full of valuable information to share."

Two women who make success their business

JEAN Lawson is the managing director of Science in Sport, a company based at Brockhall Village which makes energy drinks for athletes.

Her arrival in the world of business came almost by accident when her sons, Tim and Simon, decided to start their own company nine years ago. Tim, a talented cyclist, had completed a sports science degree and had always been interested in what he ate and how it affected his performance.

"They needed someone to sort them out and that is where their mum came in," said Jean. "Women do not realise the talents they have until they have a chance to prove themselves."

Science in Sport, which also has a manufacturing facility at Altham, now employs around 20 people. Its main market remains cycling, but the company now supplies its energy drinks to some of the top football clubs in the Premier League.

Jean is an enthusiastic member of Unique and believes it has given her the confidence to realise her true value.

"Men are always so confident you do not necessarily feel you have anything to offer which is simply not true."

THE watershed in Anthea Grange's career when she was the sole partner left at the Blackburn firm of chartered accounts she had helped to build up.

Colin Furey who founded the business had retired and a third partner left to pursue other business interests.

"I was left with the firm on my own," she recalled. "Being a woman sole practicioner, I felt very isolated and worried about credibility."

She need not have been concerned. Today, Furey Grange employs 23 people at its headquarters at the Phoenix Business Park. "It is twice the firm it was when there were three partners," said Anthea, who attributes her success to her workforce, most of whom are women.

"We employ a number of mature people and young parents and are happy to work around their personal commitments. I believe this helps us to get more from our staff which in turn come s across to our ckients.

"The Unique network gives me the opportunity to meet other women who have to make the same work-life balances," she added. "Women have this more intuitive approach which lets us make the most of the oppiortunities that present themselves."