BUSINESSWOMEN TOLD: YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN IT TO ‘WIN' IT

Businesswomen and female entrepreneurs from across the North East region are being encouraged to enter a major annual award which is now in its 11th year.

Women Into the Network (WIN)’s North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards celebrate the achievements of women of all ages and reach out to companies new and old alike, encompassing a wide range of services, and entry is now open ahead of the awards presentation and dinner later this year.

Categories for the 2010 awards are:

· The Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship

· Best New Business

· Young Entrepreneur of the Year

· Best Small Business

· Best Social Media Enterprise

· Best Creative Business

· Best Home Based Business

· Best use of Technology

· Best Rural Business

· Best Retail Business

Di Gates, on behalf of WIN’s board of directors, said: “If you run a business in any sector, of any size, shape or turnover, we want to hear your story. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just started or you’ve been trading for years, there’s a category for you – and entering couldn’t be easier.

“Simply visit www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk and complete the online form to enter yourself or nominate a friend or colleague. If you need a boost of confidence or inspiration you’ll also find it on the website, with stories from previous winners.

“A WIN Award is a major accolade that could really open doors for your business – so please don’t be shy, or put off your entry until next year. Just remember, you’ve got to be in it to WIN it!”

Any woman who operates or owns an enterprise in the North East can enter. You can put forward yourself, a friend or colleague. Entrants must head up an independent organisation and be the main driving force behind it, whether it’s a business or a social enterprise. Rules of entry, judging criteria and entry forms can be found at www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk or by calling 0845 2699862.

A series of launch events, where people can find out more about the entry process and what the judges are looking for, be inspired by previous winners and hear the impact winning has had on them, and gain some valuable contacts, are being held across June and July. The first takes place at The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead (NE8 2AR) on Tuesday 13th July from 7pm - 9pm. Please note this date has changed from the original schedule of the 25th June.

Louise Germaney from Fundraising Skills UK Ltd, based in Newcastle, is still benefiting from being one of last years winners. She said:

“Winning the best home-based business category was great. I hope this new category continues to give recognition to other home based businesses in the region. It has certainly helped raise the profile of Fundraising Skills. And the award gave me a boost during a tough year in business!”

There will also be launch events to follow in July for entrants from the Durham, Teesside and Northumberland area. Please check out the WIN website www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk/events for further information.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Saturday, September 18 ahead of the shortlisting of nominations on Tuesday, September 28 and the presentation and dinner on Friday, November 19.

Tickets for the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards evening, at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, are available from the WIN website.

For more information about WIN, visit www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk, where you can also become a member and benefit from a range of services to support, connect and promote you and your business. These include monthly networking events, regular skills workshops, interest-led online communities, business mentors, exclusive tender opportunities and specialist micronetworks. WIN also provides representation for its members at regional and national policy level.

For more information, please contact Leeanne or Ellie on 0845 269 9862 or email info@womanintothenetwork.co.uk