LOCAL entrepreneur, Elspeth Morris, has been named one of Britain's most inspirational women less than year after setting up on her own.

Now Elspeth is hoping to win a share of the £50,000 prize package in the 2010 Barclays Trading Places Awards, which recognises people who have beaten the odds to succeed in business.

Whilst working in Bali in 2009, 23-year-old Elspeth was violently mugged at knifepoint, and the physical attack left her so shaken that she no longer felt safe living abroad.

To make matters worse, Elspeth has Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease that causes damage to the airways and constant chest infections. Permanently tired and on antibiotics, Elspeth has to use a nebuliser every day.

Elspeth had worked in children's fashionwear during her time in Vietnam and Indonesia and on her return home to Tenby, she decided to draw upon that experience and her love of sewing to create her own brand.

But before she could get the business off the ground, her mother suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

Despite having to a become full-time carer together with her father, Elspeth determined to press on with her plans for the business.

The INCY brand was launched in February this year, selling hand-made children's home furnishing and accessories, and Elspeth's mother was its very first customer. Elspeth now has five outworkers and supplies 12 boutiques.

Steve Cooper, chair of the judging panel and managing director, Barclays Business, said: "Trading Places is a celebration of inspiring people who in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the better.

"The calibre of this year's entries is outstanding and we hope that with this recognition, INCY will continue on the road to success.

"We also hope Elspeth's story will inspire other budding entrepreneurs in Pembrokeshire, who face similar difficulties, to come forward and turn their own business dreams into reality."

Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Enterprise, added: "I am delighted to have the chance to support the Barclays Trading Places Awards.

"These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of people who have set up their own business in difficult circumstances.

"The Government is committed to helping make the next decade the most enterprising in history. The Trading Places entrants are an inspiration to everyone and embody the best of the UK's entrepreneurial spirit. I would like to congratulate all those involved and wish you the greatest success for the future."

Barclays will present the overall winner with a cheque for £10,000, and the runner-up with £5,000 for their business, at a prestigious black-tie gala dinner at The Savoy in London on Tuesday, November 30, to be attended by more than 300 VIP guests.

Awards supporters Microsoft and Yell will also be offering tailor-made packages for the 10 national finalists, including the latest business software and special multi-media advertising packages.

This year, there is also a special award and a cheque for £3,500, courtesy of Barclays, for the Trading Places finalist whose business is helping local people by putting something back into the community.

Other awards partners include youth charity The Prince's Trust, Leonard Cheshire Disability, the NFEA, Crisis, PRIME, the cdfa and the Community Channel.