Kerrie Keeling is founder of A Woman's Touch, a female construction company based in Wimbledon. She was recently welcomed to a reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the Queen, for women in business.

Kerrie shook hands with the Queen who asked her about A Woman's Touch and casually commented that Anne would like that! Kerrie was then introduced to the welcoming committee which included The Princess Royal, the Duchess of Cornwall, The Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Gloucester.

Working all hours as an investment banker while trying to renovate her flat, Kerrie Keeling was constantly frustrated by unreliable tradesmen not turning up on time or trying to pass off shoddy workmanship. She realised there was a huge gap in the market for a trustworthy, professional property renovation company and so she left her job to set up A Woman's Touch. Kerrie wanted to prove that as a minimum standard, tradespeople can be reliable, polite, punctual, tidy and good at their job. Kerrie also wanted to demonstrate that women can do an exceptional job in a field dominated by men and today she employs predominantly female tradespeople.

Turnover has doubled each year since trading began and 75% of custom is from repeat business and referrals.

The company employs 20 staff, 17 of whom are trades women, and it specialises in previously male-dominated trades such as plumbing, carpentry, tiling, plastering, electrics and decorating. Currently operating within the London area, Kerrie is planning national expansion later this year, which will include rolling out the new and exclusive DIY training business - run in the comfort of the client's own home.

A Woman's Touch has a wealth of delighted clients, including Gordon Ramsay, Angela Harknett and the Connaught hotel - and Kerrie has now set her sights on a contract for the Palace! This unique company offers a much needed breath of fresh air to the construction industry. The team are business-like in their approach (all armed with blackberries!), work conscientiously, do exceptional work and pay attention to the finer details such as cleaning up thoroughly at the end of every day, leaving people's homes cleaner than when they arrive.

Kerrie has recently been honoured with two prestigious awards - she won the NatWest Everywoman Business Woman of the Year Award, and was runner up in the O2 / Evening Standard Inspirational Business Award.

DIY parties

Run rather like Tupperware parties - in your own home. Kerries team of handywomen give demonstrations on a wide range of topics (including carpentry, plumbing and decorating) and allow all particpants to try methods shown for themselves.

The basic starter course is three hours long and costs £500 for up to 5 people. To pay a tradesmen to do everything you will learn would cost £700 per person!

There are also advanced courses available, they can be individually tailored to suit the client, and can focus on one or more of the trades listed.

For more information please visit A Woman's Touch