A networking group solely for women in business has launched in Blackburn.

Unique Ladies, which already has 18 other networking groups across the North West, including Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, aims to support, empower and encourage women of all ages to be the best they can.

Each group hosts a monthly meeting, offering inspiration and advice for women in business, and on January 31, the newest networking group was launched at the Blues Bar Ewood Park.

Group host, Dawn Roberts, who also runs the Unique Ladies networking group in Hyndburn, said: "The launch in Blackburn at the Blues Bar, Ewood Park, went really well, with 27 local business ladies attending.

"From now on I will be hosting Unique Ladies Blackburn on the final Thursday of every month up until June.

"The networking events are open for any business woman whether employed, self-employed or working for a charity and every month there will be a guest speaker with an inspirational story to tell."

Unique Ladies was set up by Suzy Orr after she spent years working and networking in male dominated industries such as IT and Telecoms.

Mrs Orr said: "Women in business are still a minority group and I wanted to create something which took the best from other networks and worked specifically for women."

The monthly meetings cost £20 and offer ladies the chance to learn something from business speakers, as well as make valuable new contacts.

Mrs Roberts added: "I don’t want any lady in business to feel like there is no one to turn to when we can all be there for one another."

The next Unique Ladies Blackburn meeting will be held on February 28, with Unique Ladies Hyndburn meeting on February 22.

For more information about the meetings, how to get involved with the network, and how to secure your place, visit, www.uniqueladies.co.uk