A total of 14 Cumbrian businesswomen have been chosen as finalists for the UK’s largest awards dedicated solely to female entrepreneurs.
The outstanding women are all hoping to win one of the highly acclaimed Enterprise Vision Awards (the EVAS) which have been created in association with women’s business network Pink Link.
This year’s EVAS finalists are women who have shown exceptional talent and who deserve recognition for their impressive work- and the businesses set to be represented are diverse, covering everything from piemaking, to fashion and financial planning.
Last year’s winner, Rachel Holliday of Time To Change/Women Out West said: “Winning Inspirational Woman of the year has opened so many doors for me, my organisation and my staff!
“I never dreamed I would win! To be nominated was such an honour! Most of all it gave me confidence to believe that the work I do is recognised. In turn, it has given hope to so many other women out there who have fought every day to overcome their challenges and to make a difference in the world.”
All finalists will be in the running for the highly coveted Outstanding Achievement Award which has previously been won by police whistle blower and campaigner for victims of sexual abuse, Maggie Oliver, Susanna Lawson founder of the UK’s leading elearning portfolio OneFile and Jane Hugo of Streetlife for her work in tackling youth homelessness in Blackpool.
Coral Horn, founder of Pink Link and the EVAS said: “It’s a testament to how highly these awards are prized within the business community and reflects the enterprise of the women in the region. With the support of all our allies, we would like to acknowledge every single woman involved – nominees, entrants and finalists – you fill us with admiration and make us more determined than ever to shine the spotlight on the talented women in the region.”
The judges have whittled down a shortlist for each of the eighteen categories. Finalists will attend an interview with the judges where they will showcase their achievements and share their stories of growth, impact and their visions for the future.
More than 700 guests are expected to attend the glitzy black tie awards ceremony on Friday September 23 at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool where the winners will be announced.
The Cumbrian finalists are as follows:
SOLO BUSINESS
Gwen Backhouse of Curlew Secretarial Solutions, Brampton
EMPLOYEE
Emma Lindsay of NXT Recruitment, Carlisle
Louise Murphy of Time to Change, Cleator Moor
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR
Vanessa Brown of VL Aesthetics, Carlisle
CUSTOMER SERVICES
Nichola Baker of Blue Canary Properties, Dalton in Furness
RETAIL BUSINESS
Carissa Lough of Kahu Baby, Kendal
Kate Stalker of Oubas Knitwear, Ulverston
HOSPITALITY
Gina Pennington of Penningtons Tea & Coffee, Kendal
Amanda Wilson of The Pie Mill, Keswick
FAMILY BUSINESS
Liz Beavis & Ruth Power of FMB, Kendal
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Rachel Cabble of Cable and Blake, Kendal
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Zoe Wilson of ZW Clinics, Kendal
Katherine Beaumont of Full Circle Holidays, Rydal
CREATIVE
Anna Bennett of Grove Design London, Kirkby Lonsdale
