AN agency managed by women has formed a unique partnership with Business Link Cheshire and Warrington to research the barriers women face in the workplace.

Westbrook based Viv'id will be carrying out four market research projects in the Cheshire area over the next 18 months.

In particular it will focus on the creative, financial, manufacturing and tourism industries within Cheshire and Warrington.

Recent figures indicate a record number of women (70 per cent) are in work, but an early study carried out by Viv'id suggests those women are less likely to be promoted and less likely to earn as much as men.

Yvonne Sampson, Business Link's business advisor, said: "The results from this research will be invaluable to the region's business community. Specific questions will be raised such as what barriers face females in the workplace and if they are comparable across differing industries."

The project has been funded by the European Social Fund and will pass on its findings to industry and the 200 individual companies that are taking part in the study.

Rachel Morgan fronts Viv'id, she said: "The UK has the third highest female employment rate in the EU at 13million. Therefore the challenges facing women in business and the resulting needs of women entrepreneurs are increasingly becoming a key focus of the government, local enterprise agencies and women's development organisations throughout the UK."

If you are a woman in middle management within the creative, financial, manufacturing or tourism sectors and work in Cheshire or Warrington and would like to take part in the study, call Rachel Morgan on 576472.