AN award-winning entrepreneur  has joined the board of an organisation which helps businesses across Cumbria and Lancashire to realise their dreams.

Sue Howorth, best known for her role as director of the Family Business Network, will this week be unveiled as a non-executive director of Enterprise Answers.

She will work with the board to devise a growth strategy, as the not-for-profit organisation seeks to increase the number of businesses it supports.

The appointment was announced by Enterprise Answers chief executive Grahame Latus, who said: “Having reviewed our strategic objectives, now is a key time to ensure we have the appropriate skills and experience to help the organisation drive the growth strategy forward.

“Sue is a highly respected individual, a committed professional, well connected and brings some of the skills we are seeking to strengthen our Board of Non-Executive Directors.

“Sue and I have worked closely over the last couple of years, mainly in connection with the Family Business Network, during which time my respect for her as a professional businesswoman, who puts Cumbria and its businesses and communities at the forefront of what she does, has grown.

“Sue is a great ambassador for businesses, especially family ones, and I think Enterprise Answers’ involvement with the Family Business Network reflects a shared passion between Sue and myself to assist businesses in realising their potential.”

Enterprise Answers is based in Penrith and helps businesses with loans, typically up to £100,000, which can be used to achieve a broad range of business goals.

It was launched in 2004 when Chief Executive Grahame Latus left the world of high street banking after becoming disenfranchised with the way in which many banks were operating.

The organisation helps scores of businesses every year, with everything from investment to rescue packages.

For Sue Howorth, the time is right to take on a new challenge after a period of realigning and rebranding her own successful businesses.

She is the founder of the rapidly expanding Family Business Network, a trustee for the Cumbria Community Foundation and until recently ran a successful telemarketing company, but as part of evolving this business, she is now focusing on her own projects and utilising her commercial and proven business acumen to help others.

Sue said: “I have known Grahame for around four years and we have developed a very strong, honest and transparent working relationship during that time.

“Grahame has been very supportive of the Family Business Network and there has been a natural synergy over time with the businesses I work with, and those which Grahame and the team at Enterprise Answers deal with.

“Over the years, Grahame and I have offered each other support and advice and I am now very much looking forward to playing an official role in the development of Enterprise Answers.

“I will be looking to help Grahame and the team develop a growth strategy for the organisation. I am ready for the challenge and want to make an impact and ensure my presence is felt.”

Sue’s appointment takes the number of non-executive directors Enterprise Answers to six.

If your business is looking for finance, you can contact the Enterprise Answers team on 01768 867118 or email [email protected].