A business organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire has received national accreditation for its support of women's enterprise. 

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has received the prestigious Flagship Award from Prowess - a national network which supports the growth of women's business ownership. 

The Flagship Award is the UK's only quality standard for excellence in women's enterprise development. 

The Chamber was assessed against 13 rigorous standards of excellence designed to measure quality, client focus, inclusion and equality in the provision of services. 

In achieving 'Flagship' status, the Chamber has been recognised as achieving the highest possible levels of support in each of these areas. 

Louise Bennett, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are very proud to have achieved this award. 

"Despite some progress over the last few years, it still remains the case that women are less likely to start a business than men. 

"Yet there is some fantastic help out there for female entrepreneurs and we are delighted to be recognised for the part we and our partners have played in supporting women's enterprise in the region." 

Isabella Moore, President of Prowess and the first female President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "One of our aims is to help members provide the most effective support to all their clients, but especially their female users. 

"We developed the standards to be measurable and transparent, and as objective as possible. Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been through a rigorous assessment and we congratulate them on their achievement."