The annual 2014 Specsavers everywoman in Retail ambassadors were announced last night at a ceremony in central London attended by Dame Mary Perkins and several hundred leading business figures representing over 50 retail names.

Twelve female trailblazers working across a breadth of disciplines and companies from online enterprises to high street giants were selected to be 2014’s Ambassadors and role models for the next generation of women pursuing a career in retail.

The leading luminaries attending the event included Holly Tucker MBE, co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com; newly appointed CEO of Hobbs, Meg Lustman; Jacqui Gale, CEO, Crabree & Evelyn; Beth Butterwick, CEO of Bonmarché; and designer Jeff Banks. The ‘Woman of the Year’ award went to Lucy Denton, area manager of WM Morrison who started her career as a 16-year old check-out operator and is the company’s first female area manager, responsible for 20 stores and 4,500 staff and a turnover of £60m.

The 2014 Specsavers everywoman in Retail ambassadors are:

 ·        Noor Ali, world foods manager, Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc, from Leeds
·        Heather Blackman, managing director, Commercial, Hotel Chocolat, from Royston
·        Laura Chiddey, upholstery buyer, DFS Trading Ltd, from Doncaster
·        Amanda Cox, vice president – People Central, ASDA, from Leeds
·        Maleka Dattu, creator and founder, MERUMAYA Integrative Effective Skincare, from London
·        Lucy Denton, area manager, WM Morrison Supermarkets plc, from South Wales, also chosen as the 2014 Woman of the Year
·        Harriet Hastings, managing director/founder, Biscuiteers, from London
·        Charlotte Imrie, boutique manager, Sweaty Betty, from Nottingham
·        Jo Lee, buying director of Beauty and Jewellery, QVC UK, from London
·        Nicola Thody, commercial development manager, Dixons Retail, from London
·        Dominque Tillen, managing director, Brush-Baby, from Winchester
·        Clare Wardle, group general counsel, Kingfisher plc, from London

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman commented: “In the last quarter, Britain’s retailers saw the strongest sales in ten years; this is an industry offering great career opportunities. Collectively our twelve ambassadors demonstrate the vast range of diverse talents the industry requires and the career opportunities available. By becoming champions for the retail profession, our ambassadors will share their passion and drive for the industry, acting as role models who will encourage talented young women looking for a challenging and rewarding career to view retail as a viable and appealing option.

Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, continues: “The 2014 Specsavers everywoman in Retail ambassadors are incredible businesswomen and an inspiration to future generations of women in retail. As a proud supporter and patron of everywoman, I am often asked what makes Specsavers successful. It’s quite simple really - always treat people how you would like to be treated. That applies to employees as well as customers. If you get this right then your business will grow. But never rest on your laurels! At Specsavers we have an ethos of never being satisfied, of having unrelenting drive and passion.”

Dave Hobday, managing director Worldpay UK, said: “Every day we work with thousands of women in retail, so we’re delighted to be sponsoring the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Ambassadors and proud to be helping them grow their business. The programme is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this success and at the same time inspire the next generation of female leaders. An energetic, ever-changing UK High Street creates opportunities for all.”