A FORMER teacher has claimed the inaugral West Herts Entrepreneur Award for fledgling businesses.

Chesham business woman Sian Goodspeed, 39, set up her business, Flying Start Tuition 20 months ago and it has been a limited company since January.

The small group classroom service for children held after school, on weekends and in the holidays attracted the attention of Viva Business Networking who run the awards.

Ms Goodspeed set up the business after looking working flexability while looking after her young daughter.

The classes aim to build self confidence in children and provide tuition tailored to each child.

The lessons are a unique mix of fun and use of interactive resources and NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) which inspires children to love learning.

Sian said: "I’m naturally absolutely delighted to have won. I am passionate about my pupils reaching their potential and learning should be fun where children can achieve through self-belief, confidence and great resources to support them, which is what I hope I can offer.''

The competition aims to help new companies which are in their first 18 months of trading.

The West Hertfordshire Entrepreneur competition is open to businesses in the West Herts area and who are at the prestart stage or who have been trading for up to 18 months.