Women in Business Award Finalists Announced!

The shortlist for the 2015 Women in Business Awards has been unveiled amidst unprecedented competition. The ceremony, which will be held on Thursday November 19 at the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa, aims to honour and celebrate the achievements of the many business women who make a valuable contribution to economic life in Northern Ireland.

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Women in Business Award Finalists Announced!

The shortlist for the 2015 Women in Business Awards has been unveiled amidst unprecedented competition.

The ceremony, which will be held on Thursday November 19 at the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa, aims to honour and celebrate the achievements of the many business women who make a valuable contribution to economic life in Northern Ireland.

Roseann Kelly, chief executive of Women in Business said; “We are absolutely delighted with the huge response to our fifth Annual Awards, we’ve had a massive 44% increase in applications this year.

“The exceptional standard of entries and breadth of sectors represented made the judging panel’s job very difficult. Our 36 finalists are all amazing women and great role models to encourage other women to reach their full potential.”

The five-strong judging panel included Roseann Kelly, Ellvena Graham, chair of the NI Economic Advisory Group, Evelyn Collins, chief executive of the Equality Commission for NI, Maureen Murphy, managing director of Aurion Learning, and Gary McDonald, business editor of the Irish News.

After extensive deliberation, the following shortlist was confirmed:

Young Business Woman of the Year – Charlene Hegarty (Smalltown America Music), Kathryn Rea (New Found Joy), and Katie Waddell (Spoon Street)

Best in Professional Services – Dr Erin Bryd (Rebound Physio), Shauna Burns (Ulster Bank), Jeanette Donohoe (Cleaver Fulton Rankin)

Advancing Diversity in the Workplace – Debbie Eve (PathXL), Professor Yvonne Galligan OBE (Queen’s University Belfast), Deirdre Vaugh Daly (Former Staff Commissioner for Education and Library Boards)

Best New Start-Up – Adrienne Hanna (Right Revenue), Karen Boyd (Choice Pizza Ltd), Clare Medland (Rolltack Ltd), and Nuala Campbell (Titanic Creative Management)

Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Kate Burns (Ocean Veg Ireland Ltd), Dr Lorraine Martin (ProAxis Ltd), Linzi Rooney (Studio Souk)

Best Marketing Campaign – Lynsey Redpath (Argento), Jean Kelly (Eglinton Eyecare), Geri Martin (The Chocolat Manor)

Outstanding Management and Leadership – Judith Totten (Keys Commercial Finance Ltd), Michelle Hatfield (George Best City Airport), Anne-Marie McClure MBE (start360), Tina McKenzie (Staffline Group Ireland)

Best in Customer Services – Patricia Burns (Fujitsu Services), Pauline McCullough (Tara Lodge), Maria McDonagh (Adventures Day Nursery)

Best Small Business – Debbie Caskey (Strandeen Bed and Breakfast), Catherine Cunningham (The Present Tree), Jo McDonnell (Belfast Cleaning Society), Sinead Murphy (Shnuggle Ltd)

Excellence in IT – Rachel Cotton (ROCO Magazine), Colleen Harte (LabAroma), Marion Rybnikar (Chain Reaction Cycles)

Best Exporter – Diana Atchison (Core Systems), Sinead Murphy (Shnuggle Ltd), Jacqui Walsh (Kitchenmaster NI LTD)

Sponsors and partners of the Women in Business Awards 2015 include Fujitsu, Ulster Bank, Q Radio, Department for Employment and Learning, Equality Commission, JC Decaux, Deloitte, Belfast City Council, John McKee Solicitors, Vistage and Irish News.

To book today please click here.

Guests will enjoy a sparkling reception, four course dinner, British fashion designer Amanda Wakeley as guest speaker and special entertainment.

Tuesday 20 October 2015