A LOCAL businesswoman who has been hailed as one of the top female entrepreneurs in the country was invited to the House of Lords last week to celebrate her success.

Leonie Briggs, whose business Amazelab – a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) educational business with the aim of making these subjects accessible – was one of 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK selected for Small Business Britain’s annual #iAlso100, organised by f:Entrepreneur.

The awards are intended to promote female-led businesses, and to celebrate their accomplishments all 100 women chosen were invited to the House of Lords last Friday, just ahead of International Women’s Day.

Leonie said: “It was absolutely amazing – the sun was shining and the weather was glorious.

“Everything I wore was from Barnsley female entrepreneurs including a bespoke outfit created by Jilly’s Fashion based in Hoyland Common with my hair, jewellery, nails and even eyebrows crafted by fellow Barnsley female entrepreneurs to showcase them all at the event.

“There were these 100 inspirational women from all across the country which was amazing – it felt like I was a representative of the town.

“You can take the girl out of Barnsley, but you can’t take Barnsley out of the girl.

“At the after party we were at this swanky London pub and I persuaded all the other women to join me in ordering some chips.”