Chester based Ann Girling has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Network She ‘New Business of the Year’ Award.

Ann Girling is a women’s life coach, author, speaker, mother and business owner. Hugely passionate about making a real difference to women’s lives, Ann established On The Threshold in 2009 as a result of her journey through some momentous events in her life.

Employed for 27 years as an NHS health visitor, Ann gained enormous satisfaction from helping women experiencing post-natal depression. However in 2000, having suffered herself from Post Natal Depression, a miscarriage, stress and mental health issues, Ann soon found herself on anti-depressants and in therapy. Two years later she made the decision to leave a job she loved as professional lead for health visiting to work for herself.

Ann said: “I set up my first business providing consultancy and facilitation support to NHS trusts in 2002 before retraining as a coach. But it wasn’t until 2009 that someone suggested that I combine my health visiting skills with my coaching skills and so On The Threshold was born!”

Through On The Threshold, Ann now provides personal development for women who have experienced life changing events helping them take charge of their lives again through 1:1 coaching and group workshops. She compliments this with speaking at women’s events using her story to inspire and encourage, and is writing her book “Journey to Chocolate: Explorations of one 21st Century Woman’s Life” which is due to be published early in 2011.

Ann is particularly passionate about Post Natal Depression and is a trustee for a newly formed charity. She also co-facilitates workshops for frontline professionals to help them identify and help women who may have postnatal depression.

The Network She Award ceremony takes place on Friday 19th November at the Crowne Plaza in Chester when the winners of thirteen categories will be announced.

Ann added, “I am so passionate about what I do so I was absolutely thrilled to learn that I had been shortlisted by Network She for an award. It’s a real honour.”

“I firmly believe that there is a wealth of untapped potential in women which, if released, could make a very real difference in the world and receiving this recognition helps get this very important message out there.”

Established in 2007, Network She is a community for women who mean business. An awards ceremony is held every year to recognize success and innovation amongst the region’s business women.