A Twickenham lady who quit her 9 to 5 job to set up a business that coaches women how to do the same thing, has been named a finalist in the National Business Awards.

Amanda Davies, from Woodlands Road, is one of 10 business owners competing for the ‘New Entrepreneur’ prize to be presented at a ceremony in Grosvenor House, London, on November 14.

Her business coaching company, Light Purpose Living, gives women the skills, tools and confidence needed to take the big leap from their full-time jobs and set up new enterprises.

Amanda said: “I’m hugely excited. Hopefully this proves to women who are lacking in confidence that anything is possible and that taking the leap can open up so many opportunities.

“I guess the judges liked the way my courses walk people through exactly what they need to do to turn their business dreams into profitable realities.

“Client feedback shows people value the format of my programmes. They begin by tackling barriers preventing you from making changes to your life, before discussing business ideas and then of course the practical steps needed to launch - such as business models and marketing.”

The 36-year-old trained psychologist and nutrition advisor, who has a Masters in Business Management, gave up her job as a management consultant 12 months ago in the hope of combining her counselling and business skills to start up a company.

Amanda, who says she is here to help women become “the best possible versions of themselves”, now coaches people online via Skype as far afield as Australia, the US and Indonesia.

She says: "Yes, there are obvious risks to jacking in your 9 to 5, but I teach my clients how to set up their business alongside their day job until their confident enough to quit for good.

“So many people don't realise their own potential and remain stuck in a bad situation because they don't know how to bring their big passion or idea to life. That's where I can help."

Among Amanda's many clients are busy mums who have struggled returning to the traditional workplace while juggling family life. Setting up their own business has not only allowed them to work flexibly, but also smash the glass ceiling.

Amanda says: "The recent news about BBC salaries shows the male-female pay gap is alive and well. But there are no limits to your earning potential when you're an entrepreneur."

She adds: “A year ago I would never have believed I'd be helping a 27-year-old Australian woman set up exotic and profitable yoga retreats across Asia, or a 35-year-old New Yorker to launch hugely successful e-courses in healthy eating.

“At first I felt nervous when receiving calls from The Guardian and Huffington Post about my work. But then I listened to my own advice and remembered that pushing myself out of my comfort zone presented this opportunity in the first place. I urge others to do the same and listen to their heart."

To find out more about Amanda’s various courses, go to lightpurposeliving.com, e-mail amanda@lightpurposeliving.com, find 'Light Purpose Living with Amanda Davies' on Facebook or follow @lightpurposeliving on Instagram.