Key findings into what makes a successful woman entrepreneur will be unveiled at an event next week.

Faringdon-based Sue Stockdale, who made her name as a polar explorer, has been to meet ten women entrepreneurs across the UK to learn how their personal and business qualities have contributed to their success.

Her findings will be presented at the Oxfordshire Women's Forum event on February 16 at St Clare's College, Oxford.

All the women involved in the research have received formal recognition as an Entrepreneur of the Year or their company is among the fastest 100 growing firms in the country.

They include Oxford-based Penny Streeter, founder of healthcare recruitment firm Ambition 24hours who was recently voted Entrepreneir of the Year at the Confederation of British Industry Growing Business Awards.

During the evening Ms Stockdale who runs her own career coaching company, Mission Possible, will seek views on what type of support small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs would like now and in the future in Oxfordshire to help them succeed.

As a non executive director of Oxfordshire Business Enterprises, the new enterprise agency for Oxfordshire, she will also be encouraging more women to become business counsellors

The research shows that women are more focused on interaction with people and helping others than just financial reward.

However, access to finance and work/life balance are still major issues for women entrepreneurs.

Ms Stockdale is writing a book based on her research and has developed a new programme for women entrepreneurs along with career coach Sharon Gaskin.

The seven module programme will start at the Bicester Innovation Centre on April 22.