TWO women with a mutual interest in motivation skills have teamed-up to form a new company.

Dawn Clarkson, head of her own firm of accountants, and author and businesswoman Hannah Russell have formed Leyburn-based "Believe It Yorkshire". Their goal is to motivate, inspire, and coach others and help businesses to achieve their goals.

Initially, they aim to host networking events, conferences, speaker events and have an online community open to everyone wishing to get involved, either start-up businesses or one established for many years.

The pair first became friendly when Ms Russell was still a teenager and attended a business growth club in Leyburn which Ms Clarkson ran. She explained: "We thought the same way and identified a market for motivation.

"So many people are held back through a lack of self-belief. So our idea of forming 'Believe It Yorkshire' developed. So much can be achieved if people believe in themselves."

The first large event is to be in Pavilions of Harrogate on September 16; the number of delegates will be restricted to 90. The speakers will inspire and motivate through telling their own individual story; a series of workshops will also be included in the package.

Ms Russell said: "Believe it Yorkshire is about building confidence and coaching individuals to start their business with the right steps. It is also aimed at anyone who wishes to achieve change; either if they have had an idea for years or would like to give up their job for a new challenge."

Despite their differing ages and backgrounds the two girls both think they work together well; Ms Clarkson brings a wealth of experience and business acumen. Ms Russell, still only 20, was national runner-up for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

See www.believeityorkshire.co.uk