OVER 80 business people from around the north west gathered for the Northwest Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) Ambassadors launch.

The event, held at the North West Development Agency (NWDA) in Warrington, featured key note speakers including chair of Ethnic Minority Business Forum NW, Dr Nighat Awan, director of enterprise, NWDA, Tim Sheward  as well as a special video message from Dragon Den's James Caan.

The campaign aims to showcase the entrepreneurial talent in the region to encourage other people to consider setting up their own businesses.

BBC Dragon and entrepreneur James Caan, a huge supporter of the campaign, recorded a special message for the launch.

He said: "It is because of my own experience that I know how important it is for individuals about to embark on their enterprise journey to be inspired by people they can identify with, from their home town or of a similar age, background or community group. In the current economic climate, enterprise can be a challenge but it can also provide great opportunities.

"I am delighted to be able to support this ambassador programme as I believe that it is inspiring people encourage others to make that leap. Now is the time to take action!"

As part of a regional Enterprise Awareness Campaign funded by the NWDA, Enterprise Insight and Ethnic Minority Business Forum Northwest (EMBF NW) were recruiting BME entrepreneurs to create a diverse representation of business people from across the region.

Dr Awan, added: "BME Ambassadors have the opportunity to go forward and use their voice in society to inspire others around them to become enterprising individuals. I am delighted that the launch has been so well attended and I am astounded and excited about the range of businesses that are here today."