THE former county town of Westmorland is experiencing a business revolution, bucking the downward trend of many market towns and seeing an expansion of independent traders.

But it is the women in the town that really mean business, as more than 85 per cent of the shops and businesses are now owned or co-owned by businesswomen.

From antique shops, bakers, beauticians, and café owners to florists, health, pet food, Volunteer Centre and zero surgery face lifts, Appleby's businesswomen are offering an A-Z to customers.

Established by Voluntary Action Cumbria in 2001, Rural Women's Network provided business support and training to women. And today the legacy lives on as local groups have gone on to become independent women's networking organisations.

For full story see this week's Westmorland Messenger.