A single mum from Swindon who started a business to teach pole dancing was among the contestants for the Business Person of the Year Award competition.

Chrissy Davies refused to let personal adversity get in her way and started Polefect.

Her work was recognised by Barclay's Trading Places, and she has been talked of as one of the UK's business heroes.

The other contenders in the competition, who all won monthly awards, included: Christine Pratt, the founder of the National Bullying helpline, which has been recognised nationally and was launched at the House of Commons as a charity.

Christine has worked tirelessly for the helpline, which provides free support to anyone - either as an employee or employer.

You can phone the helpline on 0845 2255787.

Mark Trenfield, the founder of MLettings, a company which provides accommodation with an ethical approach.

He encourages landlords to provide good accommodation to a variety of bodies, including the Royal British Legion and local authorities.

Sharon Hill runs Your French Property in Marlborough Road, Swindon.

She is a former international skater and, with her husband, Frenchman Quentin Revol, runs one of the best companies for buying properties in France.

Pete Cook is the boss of Heng Genting Mountain adventures from Swindon, which organises basic expedition courses for youth leaders and other groups.

He does work in association with the Swindon College and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Julie Gibson was the first woman in the RAF to qualify as a pilot, and flew Hercules out of Lyneham.

When she retired, she set up her business, Does My Tum Look Big, which offers formal maternity wear for expectant mothers.

Ant Hodges and Bruce Gamble started their advertising agency, called Creative Rush, in Swindon.

Their latest major contract was for the MoD to make improvements in performance which played a vital role in supplying troops in Iraq.

10:17am Wednesday 5th March 2008

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