Emma Wakefield The Politics Show South East

SEEDA wants to boost the number of women-run business

What is stopping women getting ahead in business in the South East?

If the same number of women as men were starting businesses, the South East's economy would be boosted by a staggering 25,000 additional companies.

At the moment, of all new businesses that start up, only 15% are set up by women.

The government funded South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is pushing to increase the numbers. So what needs to be done?

Barbara Aston, a small business advisor, meets two entrepreneurial women just starting out with their own businesses, and talks to the local SEEDA Training Director about the steps being taken to encourage more women.

Is it money well spent? Text your opinion to 07786 209252 or email us via the link below.

'If it were a person, who would it be'?

City Planners are to form their strategy for the future of Brighton and Hove by asking people: "If it were a person, who would it be?"

When the people of Bristol were asked the same thing they came up with Michael Palin - "quirky but classy; an explorer; distinguished but with an edge".

Now everything from benches to lampposts are designed with Michael in mind.

We ask who best represents some of the towns in our region.

Who best represents your town or village? Put your place on the South East Map by texting your opinion to 07786 209252 or email us via the link below.

Feedback and papers

Last week's story on the South East's trains generated a number of texts and emails so this week we will be looking back at some of your comments, and reviewing news around the region with Melody Ryall from Kentish Times Group.

How to take part in the programme

Do you have a strong opinion about something? Pensions, parking or post offices? If there is an idea or a point of view that you are dying to share then this is your opportunity.

Rant of the Week gives you 60 seconds to share your opinions with our viewers.

Paul Siegert

For your views on the programme:

• Text us on 07786 209252
• Email us via the link below

The Politics Show South East

Join Paul Siegert on the Politics Show on Sunday 23 April 2006 at 13.50pm on BBC One.

Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.