‘Very special award will support us into future’
Aug 14 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal
GALLERY owner Sue Moffitt believes being recognised in the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards last year will help her business for a long time yet.
The artist, who runs Fifiefofum art gallery and creative centre near Corbridge in Northumberland, said she was delighted to be have won the Best Cultural and Creative Business Award.
“To win the award was a very special and momentous occasion. We felt very proud along with a great sense of achievement,” she said.
“In fact I related the experience to schooldays, when you were waiting to hear whether you had won the form prize or sports cup or whatever. I would certainly enter the awards again.
“Certainly, being recognised has helped give us credibility and created additional awareness of the business. We believe it is not just a short term thing, but winning this award will support our business long into the future.”
She is keen to encourage other businesses to enter the competition, organised by Women into the Network and backed by The Journal to highlight best practice and reward the achievements of female entrepreneurs.
The awards, sponsored this year by development agency One NorthEast and Business Link North East, are awarded at a celebration dinner at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Friday, November 21.
The Best Cultural and Creative Award is sponsored by Arts Council England, North East and its external director Patricia Stead says the award is good both for women and the arts.
“As the regional development agency for the arts, our aim is to put the arts at the heart of regional life. Through our work we’re looking at building demand for the arts and ensuring that our artists and creative individuals are skilled to meet this demand.
“We’re also looking to address the key issue of increasing attendance and participation in the arts and focusing on how the arts can help build thriving communities and improve quality of life. The creative and cultural industries are key to this.”
To enter the awards, go to www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk and click on the awards button on the homepage. For a report and list of last year’s winners, visit nebusiness.co.uk
