Finalists in the 2011 Specsavers Everywoman in Retail awards
13 September 2011 10:01
The finalists have been announced in the 2011 Specsavers Everywoman in Retail awards, including female retailers from firms all over the country. The seven categories and finalists include:
Star of the Future Category - in a business with a turnover under £200 million: Claire Elbourn, retail area manager of Ann Summers from Basildon, Kerry McDowall, area business manager – Scotland East of Hallett Retail - The Concessions People from Glasgow and Victoria Taylor, marketing manager of Ann Summers from Surrey.
Star of the Future Category - in a business with a turnover over £200 million: Alison Ford, buying manager of Wm Morrison Supermarkets from Bradford, Bola Oke, senior store manager of Vodafone UK from Leeds and Stacey Skinner, store manager of Marks & Spencer from Bristol.
Leader of the Year Category - in a business with a turnover under £200 million: Octavia Morley, managing director of Crew Clothing co. from London, Samantha Murray, manager of Dorothy Perkins from Lichfield and Catherine Owens, founder/managing director of Amber & Jade from London.
Leader of the Year Category - in a business with a turnover over £200 million: Lisa Miao, commercial director - chilled foods, Wm Morrison Supermarkets from Bradford, Sarah Miller, head of region South West, Marks & Spencer from Newport and Paula Varley, head of region (Simply Food London City) Marks &Spencer from London.
Innovator of the Year Category - Sponsored by Hallett Retail – The Concessions People: Miranda Elliott, operating model workstream leader of Asda Stores from Leeds, Becky John, managing director of Who Made Your Pants from Southampton and Keren Long, Bangladesh sourcing general manager, George Clothing – Asda Stores Nottingham.
Entrepreneur of the Year Category – Sponsored by Asda: Georgina Cooper, company director/founder of PretaPortobello from London, Harriet Kelsall, managing director of Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design from Cambridge and North Hertfordshire and Ann-Maree Morrison, director of Labels4Kids from Stirling.
Online Retailer of the Year Category: Sarah Curran, CEO & founder of my-wardrobe.com from London, Paula Hassett, head of the multi channel Foundation Programme of Marks & Spencer from London and Debbie Morris, senior channel development manager of Vodafone (UK) from Newbury.
The awards were established to help readdress the gender balance in management roles within retail by highlighting inspirational role models and their accomplishments.
They draw attention to women in the industry who have shattered glass ceilings through hard work and determination to succeed.
With the UK coming out of recession, this is an opportunity to recognise the women who have successfully steered their companies through the economic downturn, many of which would otherwise go unnoticed.
The chosen finalists demonstrate the wide range of career options available for women and the exciting opportunities available.
Maxine Benson, co-founder of everywoman stated: "The quality of entries in this year's awards was very impressive - inspirational women like this show that with hard work, passion and leadership, there is a place for ambitious women in retail.
These finalists are a huge inspiration for other women and I wish them all the best of luck."
Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers added: "There are some excellent opportunities for women in the retail industry.
"Although there are not as many women in senior positions as there should be, there are many good prospects.
"At Specsavers, many of our stores are owned by female opticians who recognise the importance of excellent customer service and high retail standards.
"I congratulate all the entrants in this year's awards – to come this far shows commitment, resourcefulness and true retail flair – each is a shining example to all women in business."
The winners of the seven different categories will be announced at a ceremony at The Savoy, tomorrow night.
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