WHY did I form Contour Exhibitions & Events in 1995? The reasons were threefold: I could work around bringing up twins who at the time were two-and-a-half years old; earn my own money and be financially independent of my husband, and, lastly, create a profitable and professional business of my own.

The first few years were incredibly taxing and stressful, balancing personal with business commitments which never seemed to quite meet, the scales occasionally getting tipped a bit too far either way.

I'm sure there are many working mothers out there who will identify with such questions as "Am I giving enough to the children and my partner?" or "How many hours are there in a day? Oh yes, 36!" Well, that's how it seemed.

Today I look at the business with pride and see a company which is solid in its professionalism, finances and its systems. A concept thought up on a train and borrowing £3,000 from my husband has had to withstand a divorce, provide a good standard of living for the twins and myself, seen me survive health issues, and enabled me to realise my own potential.

The main structure of Contour Exhibitions & Events is to organise and manage its own and clients' exhibitions/events throughout the UK. We are developing a health and fitness expo at Westpoint in January of next year.

Our flagship event is the South West Christmas Equine Fair, also at Westpoint, which has achieved runner up in the Joules Best Show Organiser Competition organised by the British Equestrian Association. Over the two days it is held, this one event is worth in excess of £1.8 million to the region's economy.

As founder of the company I still drive it forward ably assisted by my general manager, Bruce Brooker, and a very dedicated and capable staff. Fourteen years on from conception, Contour Exhibitions & Events is increasing its number of events with new concepts, line extensions, event management and High Performance Marketing — a PR and marketing division of Contour.

I would say to any woman who has thought about running her own business "Go for it" — if you don't try you will always wish you had. Give it three years and don't give up at the point where everything feels like it is stretched to the maximum.

Aim for the gold medal. Go through the winning tape. It feels amazing!