Member Article

North East best businesswomen go head-to-head

North East’s finest female entrepreneurial talent will once again go head-to-head at the region’s premier showcase for women in business.

Excitement is mounting ahead of the launch of the 15th annual North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, which is organised by Women into the Network (WIN) and supported by the North East Chamber of Commerce.

These prestigious regional awards will be officially launched at an event chaired by , chaired by WIN spearhead Nickie Gott at The Greenhouse at Greencroft Industrial Park, Stanley, on Thursday 12th June, at 11am and is sponsored by Akzo Nobel.

The launch event will provide an opportunity for female entrepreneurs to learn about the entry process, categories and find out what the judges are looking for. It is also an opportunity be inspired by past winners and the impact that their achievements have had on them and their businesses.

Nickie said: “These awards help us push the female business agenda and ensure the good work of our talented North East businesswomen does not go unnoticed. We want to champion female enterprise, celebrate success and recognise those blazing a trail in their chosen fields.

“When we established the Woman’s Advisory Board with the North East Chamber of Commerce we decided early on that these awards must be bigger and bolder and really shout about the achievements of women in business over the last 12 months.

“Each year I urge any woman involved in business, no matter what the level, to get involved with the awards. It’s not only a fabulous night, but also a fantastic opportunity to network and be inspired by the accomplishments of others and share your own triumphs and experience.”

Jo Hand, winner of last year’s Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship and owner of Jo Hand Recruitment, will be speaking at the launch event, along with Nickie, founder of events management company She’s Gott It!

Speakers also include: Alice Blackie, founder of Pink Boutique and winner of last year’s Best Retail Business and Best Use of Technology; and Catherine Johns of Business Durham who claimed 2013’s Key Woman Award.

The awards will also be supported by the North East Chamber of Commerce, of which the Woman’s Advisory Board is now part.

NECC chief executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “These awards are hugely significant and play an important role in celebrating the region’s inspirational female success stories.

“I’m delighted to be able to speak at the launch of the awards and that the Woman’s Advisory Board will continue the good work started by WIN in supporting them.”

The awards will be opening for entries from Friday June 13, with winners to be announced on Saturday November 15 2014. Entries cost £20 + VAT per category and up to three categories may be entered.

For more information on the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards launch – or sponsoring an award category – please contact Ken Wallace at She’s Gott It! on 0191 385 6619, or e-mail ken@shesgottit.com or info@winawards.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by North East Chamber of Commerce .