Chronicle IN THE NEWS.

SHARON Kell is managing director of Coco Moon, a bespoke matchmaking service for busy single people who want to get more out of relationships. Sharon is also a business and life coach and recently won the North East Female Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

What made you leave the corporate world to set up your own business? I had held senior roles for a long time and when I met my husband Stephen, I wanted more from life. Financial success wasn't enough any more. I needed to do something for me, something which I felt passionate about and something I could resonate with.

Did anybody inspire you to set up your own business My father has always been a great inspiration to me throughout all my life. When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer we spent the last months of his life talking through my business ideas and he gave me the courage to go for it. Sadly he passed away last year and I miss him dearly. He really was a special man and I think about him every single day and feel so grateful that I got his seal of approval.

You recently won North East Female Entrepreneur of the Year in your role as MD of Coco Moon. How has this affected your business? It has been fabulous to be recognised for this achievement. It has given me national interest in Coco Moon, as well as a lot of opportunities which I wouldn't have got had I not reached the final.

SUCCESS: Sharon Kell of Coco Moon.

We are a small team who are all dedicated to what we do and it's great to give ourselves a well-deserved pat on the back. It's now time to focus on 2010 and the expansion programme, taking the business to a wider geographic area.

What is your greatest achievement? I've got loads! Firstly, being a mother to Victoria who is the apple of my eye. Educating myself, continually striving to learn and in return operate at the top of my field. Juggling a demanding career managing two businesses and being a wife to my husband Stephen and a daughter to my mother Mary.

Starting up on my own in business. Learning to be kind to myself and being brave enough to keep going when the chips are down.

And I recently stopping smoking after a few failed attempts. I am so proud of myself not only for the obvious reasons but because this was a real test of strength of character for me.

What are your future plans? To continue to learn and grow both professionally and personally. Expansion of the business across the UK and to support as many people as possible, showing them how they can change their lives to get the relationships they want and deserve.

How does Coco Moon differ from other agencies? We are confidential, personalised and even sometimes turn people away. There are no computers or automation involved in selecting potential partners. The three services that we offer work in parallel - with the premise of taking responsibility for relationships. We show, teach and share expertise so that members can see relationships in a different light.

What advice can you give to anyone setting up a business in the current economic climate? Go for it. Failure is not giving it a go. Success is doing it and then learning quickly.