Hunt is on for young women entrepreneurs
Jul 31 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal
YOUNG businesswomen are the focus this week in our continuing coverage of the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
With many small businesses folding within a short period of forming, it is vital that young people in business are given as much support as possible.
The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year awards aim to highlight best practice and reward the achievements of all women entrepreneurs in the North East. The organisers, Women into the Network, are keen to receive as many entries as possible for their prestigious prizes.
South Tyneside Council is the sponsor of the Young Woman Entrepreneur category. Enterprise manager John Scott said: “This award is to recognise the young woman entrepreneur aged between 18 and 30, and we are looking for someone who not only has an innovative idea, but who has shown the qualities of tenacity, strength of will and real vision to overcome obstacles and see their idea through from conception to reality.
“We think vitality, ambition and determination are important qualities for any entrepreneur. In addition to these, we are keen to see those businesses who understand the power of networking, building strong and sustainable relationships, and continuously aim to improve and develop their business.
“The winning candidate will have displayed dedication, imagination and enough determination to make their idea succeed. We are looking for women who possess the confidence and the creativity to demonstrate that they can become the very best in their field.”
Last year’s winner, Rebecca Philipson, of personalised newspaper company inthepaper.co.uk, said: “I couldn’t believe it when they announced my name.
“I was amazed that I managed to walk across the stage, I was so shocked. I felt incredibly honoured to have won.” WIN is holding two nomination events to help businesswomen understand what is required of them.
The first will be held at the Royal County Hotel in the centre of Durham on Thursday, August 14, from 12pm to 2pm, featuring Jan Massey and Melanie Crowe, of Photography for Little People; Claire Glynn, from Atomic Web Solutions; and Journal business reporter Graeme King, who is one of the judges in the Best Newcomer category. This event will cost £15, including lunch and refreshments.
The second event will be held on Tuesday, September 2, also from 12pm to 2pm, at The Centre for Enterprise at the University of Teesside. The speakers will be awards judge Catherine Kearney, from the University of Teesside; Janice Auton, of Poppys Hairdressing Ltd; and Elaine Hall, from The Alternative Supply Co Ltd. This event, with lunch and refreshments, will be free thanks to sponsorship from the University of Teesside.
To enter the awards, go to www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk and click on the awards button on the homepage. For a full report and list of winners from last year’s event, visit nebusiness.co.uk
