Jenny Hudson runs a business called Sweet As, specialising in making chocolate cakes. She was among the ambassadors who launched the campaign by sending out text messages to other women across the region to let them know that they sparkle and have the potential to shine.

Since setting up on her own at the age of 25, Jenny has not looked back. She even baked Prince Charles and Camilla’s first wedding anniversary cake.

Jenny said: “As a child I always had an interest in cooking, in fact the one story I heard time and time again from my nanna was how I always kneaded pastry until it was grey. It was no surprise that I trained as a pastry chef in Stratford and started my first job at Claridges London.”

In 2001, while travelling through Australia, Jenny thought about launching her own business. She said: “The chocolate cakes in Australia are amazing and it struck me that setting up a business specialising in everyone’s favourite cake seemed to make sense.”

On her return to the UK, she enrolled on a four-day business course aimed at women. She added: “I had a fantastic first year, partly thanks to support from the Princes Trust and it was down to my adviser that I got the royal stamp of approval when I was asked to bake the first anniversary cake.”

In June 2006, Jenny picked up two accolades from the Great Taste Awards.

Asked for her advice, Jenny says to “aim to be the best”.

“If you want to succeed, you need self belief and a reason to make it work. It is important to do your research, and choose your sector or industry carefully. Make sure there is a demand, and that your finances are in place from the start and be confident you know what you’re talking about.

“Most importantly, do something you enjoy and have a passion for.”

Spark Your Potential, will be held on March 25 from 1.30 pm to 5.30pm at Alton Towers Conference Centre. To find out more and book a place, call 0207 4308058 or visit www.makeyourmark.org.uk/spark