AS a management accountant in the motor factor industry, it never occurred to me I was the only woman in the team. We worked as one, getting done what was needed and more.

There was only one occasion when I realised there are times when it's definitely a guy thing. As part of the team at a conference I was invited to a strip club after dinner. Never having been to one my curiosity led me to say 'yes', which was a big mistake! As polite as the guys were, it was definitely not a place for me.

Living in the USA for 10 years raising a family and joining the circuit of 'corporate wives' I found it fascinating to meet women and listen to their tales of success in 'rising to the board'.

I became involved in a women's network, Business and Professional Women (BPW), an international lobbying and campaigning organisation for women's rights.

On returning to England I set up a BPW club in Exeter, the first of its kind. My presidency ended and I was delighted to be asked to set up a Women's Enterprise network to encourage more women to start a business.

Government statistics show the gap between women and men owned-businesses is far greater in the UK than in Europe, although in the South West the gap is far less than other regions.

Business Support Network (SW) Ltd runs events on personal and business development with networking opportunities.

It is geared to be women-friendly, with the emphasis on supporting each other. With more than 150 events under our belt and a database of 5,000 women-owned businesses across the region, our network has helped many to become very successful business owners.

However, it soon became clear that being a women's network was exclusive rather than inclusive and alienated the guys, the people we want to do business with. As such, the membership is now open to men too.

With the Government keen to see more women-owned firms to strengthen the economy, there has never been a better time for women to start a business. WEConnect aims to give women the opportunity to access corporate and public procurement contracts through an accreditation process in the UK, Europe, Canada, India and China. With the changing roles in which both men and women are equally involved, such as raising the family, wanting to take care of the environment and the impact the internet has had on our ability to do business globally, the key will be to embrace diversity for an integrated society we can all prosper in.