Award finalist is back as sponsor
A former finalist in the Women of Achievement Awards has shown her support for this year’s contest – by becoming the main sponsor of the event.
Nicky Keller, who founded North Lincolnshire supply teacher agency Education Resourcing, was a finalist in the 2007 awards in the female entrepreneur category. The determined businesswoman said she was so inspired by the competition that she wanted to show her support for fellow female entrepreneurs.
And now she has put her money where her mouth is by becoming the event’s main sponsor.
She said: “Many women in business juggle a busy home life with a busy working life and they are not always getting recognised for their achievements.
“But there are some very determined women in our region and this is their chance to shine.”
Organised by Women in Business, the awards aim to celebrate the achievements of women who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to achieve their goals, at the same time inspiring others to realise their potential.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel on Friday, November 12. And with Ruby Wax lined up as guest speaker, the event is sure to inspire and entertain.
Nicky added: “Toyah Willcox spoke at the last awards and she delivered a really inspiring speech; it really captured me.
“I said then that I wanted to be involved. I run a £1.5million business but it’s predominantly by myself, from home.
“I haven’t got a huge budget like large multinational companies but I wanted to support the award as I feel they are so important.”
The awards are usually held every two years, however when the recession hit a decision was made to postpone the event.
Tracey Pelham, managing director of Global Faces and the chair of Women in Business 2010, said: “Normally the Women of Achievements Awards are bi-annual, but due to the economic climate and the fact people were working much harder in challenging conditions, the former chair felt it was better to postpone the event.
“I think anybody who is working in the current climate is working very hard and women need the opportunity to celebrate what they have achieved and be recognised for their successes.
She added: “As a woman in business myself I think it is critical to celebrate success in the workplace.”
Nominations are now being sought from high achievers across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Tracey urged women achievers to shout about their successes and invited people to also nominate the women they felt deserved recognition.
“Don’t be shy,” she added. “Every day people go above and beyond their call of duty without being recognised, but these awards give women the chance to be proud of their achievements.”
Seven awards are up for grabs, including: The Established Business Award; the Female Entrepreneur Award; the Voluntary and Community Award; the Local Government Award; the Women Working in a Traditionally Male Environment Award and the Overall Women of Achievement Award 2010.
The media sponsor of the event is Mail News & Media.
Other event sponsors include Dutton Moore, which is sponsoring the menu; The Insurance Partnership, which is sponsoring the champagne reception and Flowers by Anne-Marie, which is sponsoring the flowers.
