A BUSINESSWOMAN and opera singer from Blackburn has been nominated for the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

Jane Maudsley, who founded performing arts firm Little Voices seven years ago, will travel to the ICC in Birmingham later this month for the awards ceremony hosted by impressionist Alistair McGowan.

Little Voices focuses on expert guidance and traditional teaching methods in singing and acting, delivered in small group lessons of a maximum of eight pupils to maximise student development.

It comes as Little Voice’s Blackburn school gained impressive results in its London Academy of MUsic and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) exams this year.

With 86 per cent of 156 children receiving distinctions and merits.

Two years ago, Jane franchised the business across the UK to help people with an interest and expertise in the performing arts run successful businesses in a supportive and knowledgeable network.

She now boasts locations in West Kent, Dorset, London, Peterborough, Greater Manchester, the Fylde Coast, Preston and Yorkshire as well as Blackburn and the Ribble Valley.

She said: “I am thrilled that I have been nominated for this award.

“I love what I do and bounce out of bed every morning so eager to get to work.”