The North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2008
Sponsored by One NorthEast & Business Link
Who are the hosts?
The North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are hosted by Women Into the Network (WIN). WIN is a networking initiative which facilitates the development of women's businesses. This project integrates women into existing and new business networks and bridges the gap between providers of business and professional support. WIN's activities include communications and publications, networking events, awards and role model promotion and research.
An EU commissioned survey recognised the success of WIN by selecting it as the UK Best Practice Initiative for Promoting Female Entrepreneurship. WIN also received flagship status for Best Practice in Women's Enterprise Development from Prowess (UK support network for women's enterprise), and were Corporate Award Winners at the CBI First Woman Awards in 2006.
What are the Awards all about?
The North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards were established to recognise and reward the tremendous contribution being made to the North East economy by women. These Awards are specifically targeted at women owner-managers running small and medium enterprises in the region. We want to recognise those women who have shown creativity, determination, dedication, courage and of course entrepreneurial skills and talent. We are looking at women who have made a difference and made their business a success! The Awards help raise the profile of women in the region who in turn, act as role models to help inspire other women to become entrepreneurs.
Why have a separate awards ceremony for women?
Many years ago, when WIN was first launched, women rarely entered business awards. When they did – and won, they were called Businessman of the Year!
We want to show that there ARE successful women in business and ensure they are recognised for their success and achievements. We look forward to the day when we are outdone by our own success and there will no longer be a need for a separate awards ceremony for women. However, until we see barriers falling, equal numbers of men and women starting businesses and winning awards, we will continue to promote our enterprising women.
Who should enter?
Women who have set up or taken over an independently owned business in the North East, young and old, from all areas of the business community and from a variety of backgrounds and sectors. In a nutshell, we are looking for women who have made an impact and performing a key role in business. WIN wishes to support all women in business but have a clear focus on supporting women who are entrepreneurs and not women who are managers. Women have to be heading up an independently owned business and must be the main driving force behind the business. Please see www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk/page/awards| and click on 'Awards 2008', for rules of entry and the judging criteria.
Why we need to encourage women to come forward?
Women are natural communicators but don't shout about their achievements – the Awards help them to do that and celebrate their success. We encourage women to 'blow their own trumpet' by self nominating and receiving the recognition they deserve. We received a record number of nominations last year, however, encouragement and support from friends, colleagues and support organisations did go a long way to help raise the number of entries from women in the region.
If you know someone whom you think should be nominated for one of the award categories whether it be for a brilliant idea or a social mission then go to the website to read more on the category information and to download the nomination form
What are this year's categories?
Flagship Award
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The Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship
sponsored by the Susan Dobson Memorial Fund
Category Awards
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Best Newcomer
sponsored by The Journal.
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Young Woman Entrepreneur
Sponsored by South Tyneside Council
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Woman in Retail
Sponsored by The Mailing House Group
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Woman Social Entrepreneur
Sponsored by Gateshead Council
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Best Cultural and Creative Business
Sponsored by Arts Council England, North East
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Rural Woman Entrepreneur
Sponsored by Northumberland County Council
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Woman in Technology or Innovation
Sponsored by the University of Teesside
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Woman in the Service Sector
Sponsored by Solutions Recruitment
What is the process?
How to Enter
The rules of entry, category information & judging criteria and the nomination form are available this year via the Women Into the Network website – www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk/page/awards| . The nomination form must be downloaded, completed, and emailed back to the organisers along with a good quality electronic photograph of the nominee. Please note that the process is different to last year so please ensure you read all the information given.
Entries Accepted - From 29th May - Launch of Awards
Don't miss the official launch event where you can listen to advice from the judges and be inspired by last year's winners. Find out more about the process and the categories open for nomination at this lively and informal event. Go to the events calendar on the website to book your FREE place.
Nomination Events
14 August 2008 - Durham, 2 September 2008 - Middlesbrough
A chance to hear what the judges are looking for and advice from last year's winners.
Closing Date for Entries
5.00pm on Friday 19th September.
Shortlisting of Nominations
During 1st week of October.
Final Judging
During 3rd week of October.
Awards Presentation & Dinner
Friday 21st November 2008.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Julia Hankin at The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Friday 21st November 2008. The evening includes drinks reception, 3 course dinner, live music and excellent opportunities for networking. Join us and celebrate the achievements of our women entrepreneurs.
Ticket prices: Individual - £65.00 Table of 12 - £780.00
Tickets are available from l.d.vickers@durham.ac.uk| or by calling020 8 255 1660.
Cancellations
Individual cancellations will be accepted in writing, by email or phone if received 30 days prior to the event. All fees are forfeited thereafter. Guests or organisations reserving full tables will be required to pay a non-refundable 25% deposit upon booking to confirm their table.
Judging
Final judging will take place before a panel of seven distinguished judges, all of whom have strong links with the region's business community. All entries are treated in confidence. Any accounts submitted will be for the sight of the judges only and will not be published. Any other information submitted may be used for promotional and publicity purposes post awards.
The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Women Into the Network, as organisers, do not get involved in the judging process. This year's panel will be chaired by Fiona Cruickshank, MD of The Specials Laboratory.
Where can I find out more?
All information and updates are available via the website: www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk/page/awards| and click on 'Awards 2008'.
If you are nominating yourself or a colleague, Women Into the Network wish you the very best of luck and look forward to receiving your nomination
GOOD LUCK!