Search starts for business achievers
by WIN Admin — published in Press Releases
FEMALE entrepreneurs from across Tynedale are being urged to enter the North-East’s annual awards for women in business, which is now in its 11th year.
Women Into the Network’s (WIN) North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards aim to celebrate the achievements of women of all ages and reach out to companies new and old, and entry is now open ahead of the glittering awards presentation and dinner later this year.
Previous winners from the district include Sue Moffitt, owner of the Fifiefofum art centre and gallery, in Newton, being crowned the region’s best cultural and creative business and Gill Burgess, director of Hexham-based r//evolution marketing, who was named Rural Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2007.
And at the helm of WIN is Hexham-born former cultural chief, Deborah Anderson, who was head of communications at Tyne and Wear Museums for a decade and was appointed managing director of the networking membership organisation in December.
Categories for the 2010 awards include the Susan Dobson award for entrepreneurship, best new business, young entrepreneur of the year, best small business, best social enterprise, best creative business, best home-based business, best use of technology, best rural business and best retail business.
Di Gates, chairman of the WIN board, said: “If you run a business in any sector, of any size, shape or turnover, we want to hear your story.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve just started or you’ve been trading for years, there’s a category for you – and entering couldn’t be easier.”
Business women interested in entering can do by visiting www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk and completing the online form.
It is possible to enter yourself or nominate a friend or colleague.
Di added: “If you need a boost of confidence or inspiration you’ll also find it on the website, with stories from previous winners.
“A WIN Award is a major accolade that could really open doors for your business, so please don’t be shy, or put off your entry until next year.”
The awards are open to any woman who operates or owns an enterprise in the North-East.
Entrants must head up an independent organisation and be the main driving force behind it, whether it’s a business or a social enterprise.
The closing date for entries is 5pm on Saturday, September 18, ahead of the shortlisting of nominations on Tuesday, September 28 and the presentation and dinner on Friday, November 19.
Tickets for the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards evening, at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, are available from the WIN website.