A CITY graduate has used her business skills to improve the lives of people living halfway around the world.

Becky Barber, right, launched Boo Enterprise in the summer, a social enterprise business which employs people in Madagascar to produce handcrafted traditional products – and the newly-established company has scooped the runner-up prize in the Universities South West Enterprise awards for best student business plan.

"We've set up a workshop in Madagascar working with local people and communities who would otherwise be unemployed or working in really bad conditions," said the 22-year-old.

Becky has strong links to the African island, having grown up there, and says she now hopes to give something back to people living there.

"It's very much a second home to me," said Becky, who has just completed a degree in 3D design.

"Through my own personal experiences, I have a real passion for the country. Around 70 per cent live below the poverty line – they're desperate for employment and opportunities."

The Mutley businesswoman said the company had employed 15 women over the past few months to create blankets, baskets, rugs and tableware which were exported to the UK for sale.

She said she hoped to expand Boo Enterprise by launching an online shop and offering more innovative products. "Once the skill level and import and export contacts have been built up, I hope to bring in more products to be sold in Madagascar and the UK – useful products that can improve lives over there," she said.

Helping Becky towards her business goal is an injection of cash she received after being named runner-up in the regional university awards.

She was awarded £2,500, which will be used to continue to develop the website, fund trips to Madagascar and seek future financial support.

But Becky said she was in it for more than the money. "I'm in it to provide working futures for the people out there," she said. "I asked what they used their money for and they said it was to do things like send their kids to school, and it's amazing they've been able to provide medication for their families."

For more information, visit www.booenterprise.com