Businesswoman Michelle Mone bids farewell to Ultimo

Businesswoman Michelle Mone has resigned from the board of the lingerie brand Ultimo, which she founded in 1996.

The top female entrepreneur tweeted she "would always love" the company she founded with her ex-husband in 1996 but is moving on to other things.

Glasgow-born Mone began selling Ultimo bras in Selfridges in 1999, which became the biggest ever bra launch in the UK -six weeks of stock sold out within 24 hours.

In 2011 the business owned by Mone and her ex-husband was said to be worth £20 million.

The 43-year-old has recently been working on other projects, including a government review into how to encourage start-ups in unemployment hit areas.

She has also carved out a career as an inspirational speaker, owns stakes in a tanning firm and slimming business and has appeared on TV shows such as The Apprentice.

Ultimo said: "We wish Michelle every success in her new personal projects and public engagements and thank her for contributions in the past and future support of Ultimo's growth."