The finalists for the Vitalise Business Woman of the Year Award 2011 are announced today. Now in its 29th year the Award ceremony, in support of the national disability charity Vitalise, recognizes the contribution women make to the economy, celebrates achievement and creates role models for the future.
Year on year, the prestigious title attracts outstanding candidates and the 2011 finalists are no exception. Drawn from the widest range of industry sectors, each candidate has made a significant contribution to the financial success and performance of their organization
The 2011 finalists are:
- Sarah Balfour, Founder / Director, Music by Arrangement
- Sara Fowler, Senior Partner, Ernst and Young LLP
- Sue and Rachel Hawkins, Proprietors / Directors, Ace High Ents Ltd
- Professor Julia King, Vice-Chancellor, Aston University
- Suzanne Linton, MD, Freestyle Interactive Ltd
- Alison Wetton, CEO / Founder, All About Weight
- Julie White, Managing Director, D-Drill (Masters Drill Ltd)
Judy Groves, Awards Chair, said: “The Business Woman Award seeks to identify strong role models and in 2011 it has evolved to inspire young entrepreneurs to believe in themselves, follow their dreams and make the most of new opportunities. The breadth of market sectors from which this year’s finalists are drawn is proof that women today can succeed in whatever their chosen vocation may be.”
The eight finalists will meet the Business Woman Award’s judges at Mallory Court Hotel in Leamington Spa on Friday 7 October. The winner will be exclusively announced at the Woman of the Year Luncheon and Awards held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday 14 October 2011.
Time and again the award has shown it is a signpost to future success. The 2011 winner will follow in the footsteps of high profile title holders including: Hilary Devey, CEO of haulage firm, Pall-Ex and star of TV’s Dragon’s Den; Karren Brady, former Managing Director of Birmingham City FC and a judge on BBC Television’s the Apprentice; and Asha Khemka OBE, Chief Executive of West Nottinghamshire College, who arrived in the UK with her young family at the age of 25 with no formal education.
