AN ENTREPRENEUR who started a business from her living room in Cowes 15 years ago has been recognised for her enduring leadership and energy.

Karen Ross, who founded activity and experience company In2action in 2004 alongside her husband, George, received the Entrepreneur Award at the prestigious Revolut Everywoman in Travel Awards ceremony in Canary Wharf on November 13.

She said: “Although I was the named recipient of the award, it absolutely belongs to In2action and all the amazing individuals and teams that have been with us over the last 15 years, especially the guys in the UK Support office, without whom In2action would not be what it is today.

“While nominating me, George deliberately kept a low profile during the selection process.

"The everywoman organisation is very much about empowering women in the workplace, but this takes absolutely nothing away from the fact that George and I started In2action together and we have been in the thick of it together since day one.”

The company has grown from humble beginnings, with the first two years spent running it from the front room of Karen and George’s rented farmhouse.

During this embryonic phase Karen assumed the roles of managing director, finance director and operations director among others.

In2action has evolved into an award-winning leisure activities, recruitment and training provider to the global leisure industry and educational sector.

The company headquarters remain on the Isle of Wight, where the senior management team oversee the day-to-day running of its international operations.

The Entrepreneur Award is an accolade bestowed upon an owner or operator of a travel business whose vision will inspire other women to start their own enterprise.