INVERCLYDE entrepreneur Poonam Gupta OBE of global firm PG Paper says she hopes to inspire a new generation of business leaders after her achievements were recognised with an honorary degree.

Poonam has more than made her mark since arriving from India 20 years ago and setting up her own business from her Kilmacolm home.

As well as having a portfolio of sucessful companies she has an impressive list of accolades to her name which now includes an honorary degree from Glasgow Caledonian University.

As she told of her pride over the prize, Poonam says she intends to strengthen her links with the university, giving up her own time to support students as she forges ahead in both business and philanthropy.

Poonam, who runs her business empire with husband Puneet, said: "I was totally elated and surprised to get the letter from the university and I immediately accepted.

"I ran a masterclass for the university in entrepreneurship and I enjoyed it a great deal. It was interesting to hear the students' ideas.

"It is very important to me to encourage and lift other people.

"For me it is about helping build resilience.

"My message to the new generation is that if you want something you have to go for it and make it happen.

"If you work hard you will get there."

The 46-year-old business graduate, who has a masters in economics, came from New Delhi in 2002 and founded PG Paper and the company has proved an enormous success.

Poonam has also won the Inspiring Leader of the Year at the Women's Enterprise Scotland Awards and she also took the title in the Businesswomen of the Year category at the fourth annual Scottish Women's Awards.

Her honorary degree comes as her oldest daughter Saanri, 18, is all set to go to university and her youngest Aanya, 16, is currently in sixth year at school.

She added: "I am very proud of all that we have achieved and I want to help other people get there as well."