Call for entries for the Business Woman of the Year awards

It’s time to celebrate the vision, enterprise and inspirational spirit of women across the North East after the 2019 WIN awards were launched at a lunchtime event in Newcastle.

Now in its 20th year, the awards night will once again shine a spotlight on entrepreneurial women who work across the region and make a contribution to its success.

The WIN awards are sponsored by Sage UK this year and businesswomen across the region are encouraged to enter, whether they own their own business or work in an organisation, company or social enterprise.

Categories include Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Role Model of the Year, Business Executive of the Year, the Innovation award and the Rising Star award.

Nickie Gott, Chair of the North East England Chamber of Commerce Women’s Advisory Board, said: “When we set up these awards, we wanted to turn the spotlight on the amazing women we have in the region, who work across a whole range of businesses and organisations.

“Throughout the 20 years of the event, there have been so many inspiring stories and I know this year will be no different

“Women are often less likely to shout about their successes, but we all need to do it, so we inspire others and show what we can achieve, for ourselves, our communities and our region.

“More gender diversity in a business has a positive impact on a company’s bottom line and these awards are a great way to highlight how that happens, through the achievement of women.”

Last year’s winner of the Young Entrepreneur award was Lizzy Hodcroft from The Sweet Beet, which makes a range of innovative condiments.

She said: “When I was starting out in business, I found that every day I was inspired by another founder of a start-up and that made a massive difference to me. One day it dawned on me that others felt the same way towards me and that has meant a huge amount.

“Winning this award and helping to inspire others has been a huge privilege.”

The awards, which are organised by The Event Hero, will be held on 22 November at the Grand Hotel at Gosforth Park, Newcastle.