Kate Hardcastle, of Holywell Green, a partner at business mentoring service Insight with Passion, is now one of around 1,000 Spark ambassadors picked to tell their inspiring stories through events and school visits.

It is hoped that through Yorkshire Forward-backed Spark, their entrepreneurial efforts will inspire women to seize opportunities to turn their dreams into reality.

Kate's energetic business drive, shown through her work, earned her the role.

"I am delighted to be recognised as a Spark candidate. I constantly work to try and encourage and provide insight to those I am involved with in my business life – or in my charity work."

She established Insight with Passion with her partner, Richard Gomersall, after both had held a series of senior roles and board positions with businesses such as Co-operative, Asda and Silentnight.

Their business helps companies become leaner and fitter to drive themselves forward.

Kate, who is also the founder of the Charity Dreamgirls, a Halifax-based community project which organises events to raise awareness for charities, has been honoured with over 15 national business awards for her unique approach to business sales and marketing strategy.

She was chosen as the UK's leading young marketer by The Marketing Society.

And her work over the years for the British furniture industry has also earned her the prestigious title of Liveryman at The Worshipful Furniture Makers Company.

The Royal Liveries goes back centuries, which began with traditional trades but now also includes modern trades such as accountancy.

As marketing director at Silentnight, Kate re-ignited the company which had a factory on the downturn.

Within four years the company turnover increased by £20 million.

Emma Thorn from Spark, said: "Kate will join a network of ambassadors who together will inspire more women in their teens and 20s to take the plunge and make their ideas happen."

The network is run by Forward Ladies Ltd for Yorkshire Forward and co-ordinated centrally by Make Your Mark on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.