The NatWest everywoman Awards have been running since 2003 and were established to celebrate those women who have started and run successful businesses. The Awards both showcase the challenges and uncover the stories of hard-won success, and in doing so encourage and inspire women into entrepreneurship.
Over the years, the winners have come to symbolise the very best of UK business success, and everywoman is proud to continue the awards to inspire and motivate the next generation of women to venture into the field of enterprise.
Award categories include the everywoman Ambassador Award, which goes to an iconic woman who also acts as an advocate for entrepreneurs. Previous winners include Jo Malone, Elle Macpherson, and Chrissie Rucker of The White Company.
The Spirit of everywoman Award is awarded to a woman who has changed the landscape for women in business, an honour which has been given to Jenni Murray of Woman’s Hour, Karren Brady, ex head of MI5 Dame Stella Rimington and Founder of Specsavers Dame Mary Perkins, who is also the Patron of the NatWest everywoman Awards.
Maxine Benson, MBE, Co-founder and Director of everywoman says; “Amid current controversy surrounding education cuts and challenges facing the younger generation in finding gainful employment, coupled with the increasing need to work into later life, it is now more important than ever to put the spotlight on successful women entrepreneurs and demonstrate the rewarding opportunity business ownership can offer all women, at any age and stage of their lives.
These awards aim to give recognition to those who have achieved a high level of success through hard work, determination and passion. We encourage accomplished women to enter and we look forward to discovering the next winners of the NatWest everywoman Awards.
“Carolyn Currie, Head of Women in Business, NatWest says; “Encouraging businesses to flourish is fundamental to the future health and prosperity of UK businesses and we are delighted to support everywoman for the past 10 years. Every year we see some truly amazing female entrepreneurs who have faced difficult challenges. These women deserve all the praise and recognition for their achievements.”
2010 Artemis winner, Nikki Hesford, Director of Miss Fit UK LTD says: “I received a lot of positive PR after winning the Award, but more than anything it validated my place in the business world. Winning the Award gave me confidence in my own ability and being able to call myself an ‘award winning businesswoman’ has added incredible impact to my value at business networking functions, as well as giving my clients increased faith in my ability to deliver “
The Awards are free to enter and applications are made online at: www.everywoman.com/natwesteverywomanawards until 30 July and will be judged by a panel of accomplished businesswomen and entrepreneurs including: Perween Warsi CBE – Founder of S&A Foods, Sharon Hilditch MBE – Founder of Crystal Clear International, Dawn Gibbins MBE, Founder of The Barefoot Foundation.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on 7th December 2011 at The Dorchester Hotel in London.
