BBC The Apprentice is back and Saira Khan (with Nick and Margaret) demonstrates support for Unsuited and Unbooted taking place on 21 May

The popular BBC show The Apprentice is back on our screens and attendees at a brand new event aimed at women in the South West will have the chance to meet Saira Khan, runner up in the very first series, who will be the keynote speaker and running workshops at Unsuited and Unbooted (www.unsuitedandunbooted.co.uk ). This important event has been organised by five enterprising women, all of whom have thriving businesses in the South West. It is sponsored by leading solicitors Porter Dodson and Business Link South West with the aim of providing a mix of activities and workshops that will help all women, whether running their own businesses or working for companies or organisations in the South West. Guest speaker Saira Khan feels strongly about the lack of support for business women “I know from personal experience how hard it can be to get funding and investment support from organisations that are still run by the traditional white, middle class, middle aged males. An event like Unsuited and Unbooted provides an opportunity for women to attend something that is geared towards understanding their needs and requirements in an atmosphere that is welcoming and supportive. That is why I am coming to Somerset to open it and that is why I shall be running two workshops urging women to stand up and be heard, and to P.U.S.H for Success." Tickets for Unsuited and Unbooted are selling fast, and would be attendees can book a place for £45 on www.unsuitedandunbooted.co.uk . Ticket price includes two workshops (selected when booking online) covering different topics ranging from Porter Dodson’s “Hiring Help and Selling Online” to Kate Dodson on “The Three Numbers to watch for Your Business". There will also be a chance for women to try their hand at clay pigeon shooting or archery, a range of different exhibitors with products and services of interest to women and one to one sessions showing how to set yourself and your business up on online social media like Twitter and Facebook. The day is the brainchild of five business women, each running their own businesses in the South West, who decided that there was a real gap in the market for an event that served the needs of women working in the region. It has been carefully designed so that everyone who attends can extract the maximum benefit. Organisers of the event are Carly Warren, Thoroughbred Print; Rachel Sweet from SweetSkills; Jane Adkins from A Head for PR; Jacqui Yeoell from West Country Galleries and Rebecca Holling from The Monks Yard. In a move away from the typical business dress of smart suit and sensible shoes, attendees are encourage to wear comfortable attire to increase enjoyment of the activities included in the package (along with lunch!).