Twenty-one women from across the UK are announced today as finalists in the2019 NatWest everywoman Awards.
Now in their 17th year, the NatWest everywoman Awards celebrate female entrepreneurs from all walks of life providing a platform for them to share their achievements. From the founders of international multi-million-pound empires to those spearheading social enterprises for the greater good, this year’s finalists are the role models whose success will inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs.
Spanning diverse industries – fashion, jewellery, hospitality, skincare, food, and social care – the 2019 finalists were chosen by a judging panel comprising some of the UK’s top business figures, including Helen Pattinson (Montezuma’s), Julie Deane OBE (Cambridge Satchel Company), Sarah Wood (Unruly), Poonam Gupta OBE (PG Paper Company), fashion designer, Melissa Odabash, Harriet Hastings (Biscuiteers), Sam Smith (FinnCap) and Rowan Finnegan (Regenerative Investment).
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 3 December 2019 at London’s Grosvenor House. Further awards will include the Spirit of everywoman Award presented to a woman who has helped change the landscape for businesswomen in the UK; the everywoman Ambassador Awardcelebrating the success of a high-profile entrepreneur; and the brand new Fortuna Awardrecognising an individual who is investing in women-run enterprises.
The 2019 category awards finalists are:
ARTEMIS
Awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business trading for 18 months to 3 years
Harriet Inglis, Spacemasks.com, from London
Eloise Frank, The Big London Bake, from London
Yang Liu, JustWears, from London
DEMETER – sponsored by Nutriment
Awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business trading from 3 to 5 years
Katie Hayward, Felinhoneybees, from Anglesey
Marine Tanguy, MTArt Agency, from London
Michele Venton, GirlZone, from Bournemouth
ATHENA
Awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business trading from 6 to 9 years
Lucy Townsend, The Greyhound on the Test, from Stockbridge
Jane Michell, Jane Plan, from London
Michelle Osman, Minerva Global, from Alton
HERA
Awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business trading for 10 years or more
Rachel Pendered, Media Zoo, from London
Nassrin Zarach, Manicomio, from London
Mairead Mackle, Homecare Independent Living, from Armagh
GAIA – sponsored by Montezuma’s Chocolates
Awarded to the most inspirational and successful female founder of a social enterprise who has combined strong community benefit with a sustainable business model
Ren Kapur MBE, X-Forces Enterprise, from London
Sara Hawkins, Projekt 42, from Edinburgh
Julie Agbowu, All Inclusive Advice and Training, from Croydon
APHRODITE – sponsored by Daily Mail
Awarded to a woman who founded her business whilst raising a child/children aged 12 or under
Alice Rivers Cripps, Posh Totty Designs, from Brighton
Yoshi Lee, Boba Box, from London
Kelli Aspland, Solar Buddies from Cwmbran
BRAND OF THE FUTURE – sponsored by The White Company
awarded to the female founder of a business that demonstrates great potential for growth
Samantha Cameron, Cefinn, from London
Charlotte Ferguson, DISCIPLE, from London
Amy Louise Moring, Hunter & Gather Foods, from Essex
Speaking about the finalists, Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder at everywoman comments: “The Alison Rose Review cited the vital influence of role models and through this programme we have reached over 4,000 female entrepreneurs, sharing their stories and success to inspire others. Our work focuses on empowering women with professional opportunities and we must address the reasons why 60% of women who have considered starting a business, did not because of a lack of confidence. This year’s finalists demonstrate the innovation that women already bring to entrepreneurship and we believe their stories will encourage others to follow suit.”
Yvonne Greeves, Director of Women in Business, at NatWest, says: “We are very proud to recognise these women, who are not just successful in their own businesses, but are also great role models. The importance of women in business cannot be underestimated, so we hope these role models will inspire other women to take their first steps in business. To help these entrepreneurs and would-be business owners, NatWest has a network of over 500 externally accredited Women in Business specialists who understand our customers’ ambitions and provide business advice, mentoring and networking opportunities.”
