The women behind contract caterer Charlton House and Thwaite’s Brewery are among the top 50 female entrepreneurs in the UK, according to a recent survey. 

Ann Yerburgh, the chairman of Blackburn-based Thwaite’s Brewery, was listed in 16th place. Her brewery and pub company had sales of £148.5m in 2003-2004.

Robyn Jones, co-owner of Charlton House Catering, was ranked 28th. The contract caterer continued to grow sales last year topping £32m in 2003-2004. 

The assessment, conducted by Real Business magazine and Orange, was commissioned to determine the nature and quality of women-run businesses and was based on sales, long-term growth and pre-tax profits.

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