Entrepreneur's healthy ambition clinches award

Nov 21 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

AN ambitious small business owner with an impressive national reputation for promoting health has been named the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2009.

Rebecca Howard, owner of specialist health communications and events agency Cynergy in Stokesley, was not only named ‘Best Small Business’ at the annual WIN awards but also clinched the top award, the coveted ‘Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship’.

Judges praised the “substantial small business” which works in the health and public sector, undertaking major national and regional initiatives within the NHS and health and social care sectors for clients including the Department of Health, Skills for Health, various SHAs, PCTs and other Trusts.

Chair of the judging panel, previous North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and SCM Pharma director Fiona Cruickshank said: “Rebecca has a focused vision of how the business should be run and its core values to make a difference. She also has amazing enthusiasm for her team and the ability to attract outstanding talent to the North East.

“Cynergy is a substantial small business employing specialist creative talent, unique in that it specialises in making a lasting difference and will not work for corporate clients. It has completed the buy-and-build of its premises, with room for expansion, and has clear plans for continued growth.”

The awards, now in their 10th year and sponsored by Business Link, were presented last night at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.

Membership of the all-new WIN Ltd is growing rapidly since its launch in September 2009. Members are part of a unique online and face-to-face network that supports them through a range of personal and professional activities, connects them with other networks and individuals to catalyse success, and promotes this success through activities such as the WIN Awards.