Top NI Businesswomen Are Award's Focus

Entries are now open for the inaugural Women in Business NI Awards, supported by Deloitte.

Thee awards are open to all businesswomen across the province, whether they anchor an international operation or run an enterprising, small, innovative business.

A nominee could even be a high achiever on the corporate ladder who has secured a major contract or a female who has innovated and turned her business around in these tough times.

Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business NI, which has a membership network of female entrepreneurs and business women across the province, commented on the awards: "Nominations are now open online. This is a great opportunity to recognise the many women across Northern Ireland who may not have been acknowledged outside their own company.

"We hear inspirational stories from our network peers regarding what they themselves have achieved in their companies and businesses and we know that there are many other women out there who diligently over-perform in their roles," she said.

"In the last two series of The Apprentice, some of the women really stood out as excellent role models for business women everywhere today.

"Stella, last season's winner, with her cool 'get things done' attitude and this year's runner-up, Helen, who won ten out of eleven tasks and excelled in presentations to secure significant orders.

"Both these women didn't shout about their talents, as they were second nature to them.

"We believe it is important to recognise the many females who carry out these types of roles every day and as these Awards are the first of their kind, we know that we will be rewarding the very best."

The Women in Business NI Awards are open to all businesswomen in Northern Ireland as those entering do not need to be members of Women in Business NI.

Award categories include Best New Start Up and Best Exporter (both sponsored by Invest NI); Award for Innovation/ Entrepreneurship (sponsored by Vodafone); Outstanding Management/ Leadership; Best Marketing/ Communications; Saleswoman of the Year; Best in Professional Services; Best Customer Service; Best Sole Trader; Young Businesswoman of the Year and Outstanding WIBNI Businesswoman of the Year, awarded to the person who has made the best contribution to business and the community (sponsored by Deloitte).

Jackie Henry, Partner from lead sponsor, Deloitte, added: "Women contribute a great deal to the local economy and this prestigious event will shine the spotlight on women with exceptional business skills."

Entries are only open online until 7 October with the gala Awards event scheduled for Thursday 17 November.

Inspiring business women can be nominated online at www.womeninbusinessni.com

(BMcC)