Business hero keen to help others

Wendy's recently received a national Spirit of Inspiration Award

A Colchester businesswoman who has overcome domestic violence is keen to help others in her situation.

Wendy Irwin set up 'Girls on Doors Security' (GODS) in May 2008 as she looked to rebuild her life after suffering abuse from an ex-partner.

With the business expanding further, the 47-year-old is now keen to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

"I'd like to set-up something for women to say live your dream and never let someone stand in your way," she said.

"It's so easy to say that, but when you're dealing with it at the time, your soul and everything else just get shattered and it is a really hard journey, but I understand that journey."

Award winning

Wendy established GODS with the intention of filling what she saw as a gap in the security industry.

"I'd worked for the airlines for many years and part of the airline industry that I really enjoyed was security. So when I had a change of career, I decided to carry on with security.

"When I first started working you could never get females because it's so male oriented.

"I thought it would be really nice to set-up an all-female security company and maybe encourage more women to come and work in security."

Wendy's business has flourished since its inception in May 2008

Initially Wendy just dealt with female security, but soon branched out into male security, with her offshoot, 'Gents on Doors'.

Her team of up to 16 employees have worked in clubs, at festivals and on one occasion this year provided security for the Queen.

Wendy was recently delighted to be honoured at the Barclays Trading Places Awards, where she received a Spirit of Inspiration Award.

"It has been one really tough journey and I wouldn't be able to mention how many times I wanted to give it up," she said.

"But I rode it through and definitely made the best decision - it's amazing at the moment."