The finalists have been announced in the NatWest everywoman Awards, celebrating the business achievements of the UK’s female entrepreneurs.

The 16 finalists chosen from hundreds of entries represent entrepreneurs aged 16 to 52 whose businesses range from promising start ups to multi-million pound organisations.  

Between them they represent the vast array of female entrepreneurs across the country and include a girl who waited in car parks to introduce her product to an elusive supermarket buyer.

Speaking about the finalists, everywoman co-founder Maxine Benson MBE commented: “Britain’s economy has come through challenging times and is now recognised as one of the strongest in Europe.

“This year’s finalists have steered their businesses through rough waters and are poised to reap the benefits of the burgeoning conditions, recognising as they do the long-term opportunity for enterprise. The awards prove that entrepreneurship remains the career of choice for women and with the youngest ever finalist still at school, they demonstrate that age is no barrier to ideas and initiative. Britain plc will reap the benefits of their efforts through their growth, creation of jobs and international export. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the finalists’ meteoric success.”

The NatWest everywoman awards were launched 12 years ago to celebrate British entrepreneurship, creating female role models to highlight the benefits and rewards of business ownership.