Last updated 12:07, Wednesday, 03 September 2008

AN entrepreneur from Grange has been shortlisted in a search for Cumbria’s top young business leader.

By David Pickthall

Chloe Booth has been named by the Institute of Directors as a finalist for its prestigious Young Cumbria Director of the Year Award.

And the winner will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, hosted by BBC sports presenter Gabby Logan.

Ms Booth, 30, joined her family’s Grange Dental Practice on Yewbarrow Road three years ago and has since overseen the expansion of the business outside the county – including a clinic in Manchester.

This month she will oversee the opening of a new practice in Ambleside, named Total Dental, which will offer routine and advanced treatments alongside cosmetic dentistry services.

She has won praise both inside and outside the profession for changes she has made to the way in which people normally perceive a visit to the dentist.

Ms Booth said: “I’ve looked to make the dentist industry into more of a commercial enterprise and I think that it’s this different approach that has got me shortlisted.

“Hopefully winning the award could open up some more business interests.

“The Ambleside practice is about serving the local community.

“The residents there have said they would use a weekend service so that’s what we’re going with, while the car pick up initiative obviously works better in places like Manchester.”

Also a keen horse rider, Ms Booth has been involved with establishing a new equestrian club at Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre.