Shortlist revealed to find the best women in Yorkshire business

Women who have faced colossal personal challenges will be presented with trophies at an event which highlights the strength in depth of Yorkshire’s business community.

The Women in Business Awards have been organised by Forward Ladies, a networking organisation that provides practical support for women who are involved in all aspects of corporate life.

The shortlist for this year’s event includes women who have achieved success in areas ranging from cyber security to sport, precision engineering to paper disposables.

The winners will be announced at this year’s event which will be held at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on November 15. The Yorkshire Post is the event’s media partner.

Caroline Pullich, the head of relationship banking for Barclays in Yorkshire and the North East, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Forward Ladies again, celebrating exceptional achievements in tough economic trading conditions.

“These awards encourage an environment that supports women on their entrepreneurial journey and they are a fantastic opportunity for ladies across the region to network and share ideas and knowledge.

“We’ve been amazed at the volume and calibre of the entries – which proves there are some fantastic businesses out there competing in what is set to become one of the country’s top awards for business and professional women.”

The shortlist in the coveted corporate leader category includes Jacqui Hall, the managing director of Harrogate-based CNG.

She held a number of positions in gas companies before joining CNG in 1998.

Since being appointed MD in 2006, she has strengthened the team by making strategic appointments and securing third party accreditations.

CNG aims to be an alternative to the Big Six energy firms.

Under her leadership, the £150m turnover company has enjoyed rapid growth, and achieved strong rates of employee retention. Also on the shortlist in the corporate leader category is Linda Jones, the sales operations director at Talk Direct in Batley.

Launched in 2006 as one of the first O2 retail franchise stores, it had grown to four stores by 2011. Ms Jones is keen to help local business start-ups through mentoring workshops. She is passionate about supporting the local community.

She sponsors junior sport teams, care homes, Kirkwood Hospice and community projects.

Also in contention for the corporate leader award is Helen Thewlis of Ramsdens’ Solicitors in Huddersfield. She heads up Ramsdens’ Family department, which has grown from just one person – herself – in 2002 to a 24-strong team,

She is a trained family mediator, and plays a key role in the company’s mentoring programme at Huddersfield University, as well as running free monthly clinics at Sure Start centres.

Other categories honour women who have excelled in the fields of property and manufacturing.

There is also an award for outstanding PAs (personal assistants) and women who run their business from home.

Last year, the title of Business Woman of the Year, was snapped up by Liz Colleran who created her company, Duvalay, after experiencing uncomfortable nights sleeping on a caravan mattress.

She devised a portable memory foam mattress topper with a shaped duvet, which has proved a hit in the UK, and is also expected to take off in the US market.

Forward thinking

Forward Ladies is an organisation that provides women in business with an opportunity to connect and gain support.

Founded by Etta Cohen in 2000, Forward Ladies began as a small group of professional women meeting and sharing experiences.

It is now one of the largest women’s networking and business support organisations in the north of England, supporting more than 13,500 women across Yorkshire, and the Humber, Isle of Man, Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside.

The company runs more than 400 events a year.

For more information visit www.forwardladies.com