When Kathryn Meredith, of Knowleswood, turned 40 at Christmas she decided that she needed a new challenge in her life.

As a financial adviser for corporations including HSBC and Friends Provident, Kathryn was earning big money but the rat race just didn't appeal to her any more.

After hearing that Chorley fashion boutique Base Ten was on the market, Kathryn decided to put in an offer and within two days it had been accepted and she handed in her notice.

Kathryn, who says that business is booming at the Cheapside shop, said: "I always wanted to be a policewoman but when I was working for the specials I was offered a job in financial services and I went for it.

"I worked as a financial adviser but although the money was good I had to work long hours and I often had to work away from home. At Christmas I turned 40 and I wanted a new challenge in my life so I decided to look for a business to run.

"I'd heard that Base Ten was up for sale and I wanted to make an offer but with three other parties interested I had to move fast so as soon as my offer was accepted I handed in my notice and left that same week."

Entrepreneur Kathryn now wants to make a huge success of the ladies clothing shop and has ambitions to open similar stores in the area.

"I had never done anything like this before but I'd always loved fashion and shopping and I'm really enjoying what I do so I am glad that I went for it.

"At first it was difficult because I had to work hard to keep the big names stocked in Base Ten but I managed to exclusively secure Lipsy and Gio Goi and now I am just looking forward to the new seasons coming in.

"I want to style Chorley women in the latest trends and biggest names but at a price they can afford and I'm looking to diversify and bring in new lines including underwear in the near future."

However, the long hours aren't a thing of the past for the former financial adviser as she works around the clock to establish Base Ten as a popular boutique and with new collections arriving all of the time and a potential re-launch on the horizon - there is just no stopping this businesswoman.