Women have extra 24 hours to apply for major business award

Businesswomen have been given an extra 24 hours to put themselves forward for a major award – as organisers have been overwhelmed with the strength of this year’s competition.

The application deadline for the Business Woman of the Year award has been extended until September 12, 2017 so anyone who wants to be considered for the prize either by nominating themselves or applying on behalf of someone else, has an extra day to submit their application.

The winner will be announced at the 35th Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards, which is taking place at Birmingham Metropole on Friday, October 6.

The annual event acts as an inspiration for women and the Business Woman of the Year Award is aimed at encouraging more young girls to aim for senior roles in the workplace. 

Nicola Elliot, founder and creative director of wellbeing and home fragrance brand, Neom Organics, will be one of the keynote speakers at celebration and she will be sharing the story behind her successful career and company expansion.

Judy Groves, director of the Business Woman of the Year Award, said: “We already have some very strong entries for Businesswoman of the Year, but we can’t stress enough how much we want more women to get involved and either put themselves or others forward.

“Every year we aim to show women and girls that anything is possible for them, by presenting to them the achievements and success of other women.

“We have given people a bit more time post-holiday season in order to get their entries in – that extra 24 hours could be crucial – and we look forward to drawing up our shortlist very soon after that.”

Candidates who are shortlisted for the award will be invited to an interview stage on September 22, 2017.

New sponsors – HSBC, Smooth Radio and Britain’s biggest commercial news talk station LBC – join British Airways, Freeths, Pertemps, SCC and Birmingham City University in offering their support to the event which shines a light on inspirational businesswomen across the country.

The event is also supported by key industry organisations including the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF), the Royal Aeronautical Society, the CBI and the WMG Academy for Young Engineers at the University of Warwick and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Funds this year will be raised for Tomorrow’s People and national disability charity Revitalise.

To apply for the award or to nominate an inspirational businesswoman, visit womenoftheyear.org.uk or email Judy@rigbygroupplc.com.

Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for the prominent 35th anniversary of the awards and luncheon event should email event@womenoftheyearawards.org.uk.

To engage on social media, use #WOTY2017, #makeithappen or #inspirationalwomen