A CULLINGWORTH woman has been named as one of the UK's 100 most inspirational female entrepreneurs.

Sandra Corcoran has received the coveted recognition as part of Small Business Britain's f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 campaign.

The organisation – a leading champion of small businesses – began the annual initiative six years ago to celebrate entrepreneurial women and also showcase their wider contributions to society, the economy and communities.

Sandra owns Pennine Cycles – in Thornton Road, Bradford – with her husband, Paul.

She said: "I'm thrilled to be included in the top 100 list of female entrepreneurs who have been recognised.

"I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead and getting involved with Small Business Britain."

Tribute is paid by Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain, to all those recognised.

She said: "The UK is absolutely full of phenomenal female entrepreneurs who are doing incredible things that inspire change, often around tackling some of society’s biggest issues.

"It is so vital that we give greater recognition to these trailblazing women and the powerful contribution they make to society and the economy. Times are incredibly hard for many business owners, but inspiring entrepreneurs like these represent the future for the UK economy and deserve encouragement and celebration.

"The f:Entrepreneur campaign was launched to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community. It offers a host of events, training and networking opportunities."

Sandra and Paul have owned Pennine Cycles since 2000.

The business had been founded as Whitaker and Mapplebeck Cycles in 1946.

Paul was originally introduced to cycling when he sold his car and bought a bike himself to commute to work, which also led him to Pennine Cycles – initially as a customer.

He went on to manage the shop before he and Sandra took over the ownership.

In its list of entrepreneurs, Small Business Britain says of the business: "They have a team of experienced and professional individuals with a passion for cycling who have their own skillset and sell retail bicycles and all cycle accessories as well as repair and service all types of bicycle. They are also proud to manufacture their own Pennine brand of bicycle in Yorkshire. Sandra is a speaker and has been a women’s cycling champion."

The full list of 100 can be found at f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2023.