A BUSINESSWOMAN from Wirral has been named Entrepreneurial Woman of the Future at an awards ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Thea Green, originally from Hoylake, “epitomised the word entrepreneur” due to her creativity, ingenuity and ambition according to the awards’ judges at the Women of the Future Awards in London.

The award was in recognition of her success as the founder of Nails Inc which has a turnover of £11.5m and employs more than 450 people nationwide.

The former fashion writer for Tatler magazine said her venture was “not very different” from her previous career in journalism and said she continue to use many of those skills.

Her company, which started in 1999 has 57 “nail bars” across the UK and Ireland including concessions in Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Fenwick, Debenhams and House of Fraser.

Ms Green said she was initially inspired to launch the nail bars following visits to NY while working as a fashion editor and launched the company aged 24.

She said the original idea was for speedy, 15-minute manicures – and the venture was an instant hit.

She was presented with her award by Mr Clegg, and said: “He was very surprised at how many women we employ and the lack of men.”

Awards founder and chairman Pinky Lilani OBE said: “Each of this year’s winners remained determined and ambitious in spite of potential obstacles which is a testament to the nature of the young women in our country and rewarding their achievements is crucial in motivating other women of Britain’s future.”

The awards – held in association with Shell and hosted by Real Business – champion young women aged 35 and under who are making an impact in their chosen field, and have for the last five years celebrated the rising stars of business, the arts, science, technology and the media.

The ceremony was compered by BBC newsreader Riz Lateef and attended by Cherie Blair and Oscar award winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes.