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The 2010 Women Into the Network Best Rural Business winner Amynta Warde-Aldam talks to bdaily

Amynta Warde-Aldam won the Women Into the Network Best Rural Business award in 2010. She tells bdaily about her business, Tulip and Nettle, what winning the award did for her and the company and also explains why others should enter the awards.

Name: Amynta Warde-Aldam
Business: Tulip and Nettle
Award Won: Best Rural Business 2010

Could you tell us a little bit about your business?

Tulip and Nettle produce an exclusive line of clothes designed and manufactured in the North East of England. Everything we sell is unique to the company – nothing is bought in from mass suppliers. We aim to create children’s clothes (for children aged 12 months to 12 years) that will stand the test of time, be age appropriate and become the hand me downs of tomorrow. The clothes are sold from our website, http://www.tulipandnettle.com/ and our twice yearly catalogue.

What did winning the award do for you on both a personal and company level?

The award helped boost my confidence. The thing that has really changed is people’s perception of the company since various pieces of publicity appeared in the local press. We were also featured in the Independent on Sunday in a feature on the particular challenges faced by women running businesses in rural situations. This was as a direct result of the WIN awards.

Why should others enter the awards and what other benefits you receive from WIN?

It’s inspiring and encouraging to see such a variety of businesses get recognised for their work and success. It can also open doors for your business: it has encouraged me to take Tulip and Nettle further, by launching a new website in October to develop the wholesale side of the business, and also being given the opportunity to exhibit Tulip and Nettle clothes at Bubble in London in January.

The awards ceremony takes place on Friday 11th November 2011. Tickets to attend the WIN Awards evening are £75 + VAT (£65 + VAT for WIN members) and include drinks reception, a 3-course meal and live entertainment. ??For more information on how to enter or book tickets for the event itself, please email awards@womenintothenetwork.co.uk, or call 0191 385 6619, or visit: http://www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk/awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .