Claire shortlisted for WIBA

With a new female prime minister, eight women cabinet ministers, and a new female chair of the Institute of Directors, British politics and businesses are trailblazing for women in leadership. It is timely, then, that Forward Ladies has announced it’s shortlist for the 2016 National Women in Business Awards, sponsored by HSBC, which this year has attracted the highest number of entries ever received.

And from this impressive field our very own MD, Claire Morley-Jones, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the SME Growth category.

Now in its seventh year, the Awards have grown from being purely regional into one of the most prestigious events in the calendar for professional women. The organisation, founded in 1999, supports women in their professional lives and celebrates and champions the role of women in the workplace.

In announcing the results for Yorkshire & Humber, North East and Scotland, Griselda Togobo, MD of Forward Ladies says, “This has been a fantastic year for women: we continue to start, grow and run high profile successful companies. We have been surprised and delighted by the number, calibre and diversity of the applications we have received, and look forward to celebrating their success.

“The award categories are a reflection not only of the types of businesses with which women are involved but also industries which need to attract and encourage young women to join for future growth and prosperity.”

Debra White Regional Director of Small Businesses for HSBC and Awards judge says, “There was an impressive number of high-calibre entries this year, highlighting the quality of talented businesswomen we have in the UK. These entrants are the future entrepreneurs of our country, with the Forward Ladies event to showcase the best Britain has to offer. HSBC will be supporting them every step of the way to ensure their businesses prosper and thrive in the long term.”

Other judges included Ajaz Ahmed, the founder of Freeserve, Helen Samuels from United Utilities and Saha Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic.

The shortlisted applicants (see below) in each of the categories will be invited to attend the regional final at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne on 14 October. The winners from this and the other regional finals, will then be invited to appear before a live judging interview panel in November, followed by the national final in Leeds on 1 December.

All shortlisted candidates will receive tailored business support from HSBC. Microsoft will also offer a full review of their ICT set up. The review will explore how their organisation can utilise technology across a range of business functions to drive business results.

Sharon Jandu, strategic partnerships, small and medium business at Microsoft says, “Our mission and values are all about helping businesses unlock their full potential and we are excited about the prospect of working with the UK’s leading women in business and their companies, to support them to achieve this aim.”

Working with The Institute of Directors to attract more women into the organisation, they will waive the £220 joining fee, leaving just the yearly membership fee to pay – all designed to support our finalists.

Lady Barbara Judge, chair of the IoD says, “It is my great pleasure to recognise the success of the women who have been shortlisted for The Forward Ladies’ Women in Business Awards. As recognition of their accomplishments I would like to waive the election fee for any shortlisted businesswoman who qualifies for membership of the IoD. These are all women who the IoD would be delighted to have as our members”.

Other national sponsors include Co-operative Insurance, with audio visual partner Saville’s and drinks partner Perfect Cellar. Local sponsors include Sky UK, Yorkshire Water, the Yorkshire Post, Yorkshire Life, Welcome to Yorkshire, Carrwood Park, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Bradford Airport, Common Purpose, WGN and LCF Law.

Shortlisted finalists in the SME Growth Category:

• Claire Morley-Jones, MD, HR180, Garforth, Leeds
• Clare Brophy, MD, Companion Stairlifts, Guiseley, Leeds
• Emma Chidlaw, director, Unita Maintain, Sheffield
• Kate Krachai, director, Quality Context, Sheffield
• Vicky Newham, MD, Solutions Accountancy and Bookkeeping, Huddersfield
• Ruth Newton, director, Young Discoverers, York
• Vicky Nolan, business development director, Circuit Electrical Testing, Halifax
• Louise O’Brien, MD, Greyhound Boxes, Leeds
• Janet Smith, MD, Twenty Four Seven Nursing, Ilkley
• Karen Temple, MD, NPS, Barnsley.

(Courtesy of Forward Ladies – read original article here.)