DERBYSHIRE: Finalists set to go head-to-head at Enterprising Women Awards

Fifteen of the most talented and successful local businesswomen are competing in five categories in the awards, which are run by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce.

The awards will be presented at an exclusive gala dinner on March 8, immediately after the inaugural East Midlands-wide Enterprising Women Conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel at East Midlands Airport.

Jean Mountain, Chairman of DNCC’s Enterprising Women group, said: “There are some very talented and hard-working businesswomen in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire who play a massive part in the success of their business but are often not recognised for their hard work and determination.

“These awards are about celebrating their important contribution to the local economy. Simply getting through to the last stage is an achievement in itself and we’d like to congratulate all 15 finalists and wish them all the very best of luck both on the night and for the future.”

This year’s award categories and the nominated finalists are:

Breakthrough Business of the Year – sponsored by Rothera Dowson: Ageing in Great Britain, Future Life Wealth Management and Mackney Photography

Business Woman of the Year – sponsored by University of Derby Corporate: The Bemrose School - Jo Ward, Crush Design & Creative Marketing Ltd - Natalie Brammer and One to One Support Services - Melanie Ulyatt.

Community Champion – sponsored by Westfield Contributory Health Scheme Ltd: Ageing in Great Britain - Linda Redmond, BODY Charity - Lauren Benton and Shirebrook Academy - Julie Bloor.

The Rising Star Award – sponsored by The Money Shop: AESSeal - Bronwen Teece, Brighter Directions - Emma Warren and Tideswell Surgery - Maria Pioli.

Team of the Year – sponsored by One to One Support Services: Brighter Directions, Coalesco and Encompass.

A sixth category, Inspirational Woman of the Year, sponsored by Nottingham Girls High School, is by invitation only and will be announced on the night.

Tickets for the conference start at £30 and awards dinner tickets start at £45, but chamber members can attend both for just £55. For more information or to book your place, visit http://bit.ly/X5SIWb.

The founder of the UK’s leading organic chocolate brand and an award-winning female adventurer are the guest speakers at the conference, which will celebrate the achievements of women in business to mark International Women’s Day.

Jo Fairley, who co-founded the luxury chocolate brand Green & Black’s, will deliver the keynote speech on how to build a business in a niche market.

She will be joined by Sarah Outen MBE, who became the first women and the youngest person to row solo across the Indian Ocean from Australia to Mauritius in 2009.