The Enterprise Vision Awards recognise women in business from across the North West in sixteen categories, ranging from best small business to business woman of the year and are the largest awards celebrating women outside London.

As you may well know I am no newcomer to the awards, winning the accolade for Sole Trader in 2015 and 2016 and Professional Services in 2017.  This year I am amongst 30 businesses from Cumbria shortlisted in the awards in 2019.

When I first entered the awards in 2015 I’d not really heard of them and I was only one of three businesses representing Cumbria.  The awards have grown over the years and it is fantastic to be sharing this platform now with so many other talented business women.

The initial stage of the awards was via an application, where a panel of judges assessed my application on various aspects including the inspiration to become self-employed, achievements and challenges to date, future plans and the drive and passion behind the business.

The next stage of the process was a presentation and interview, which I did earlier this week at Ribby Hall Village to a panel of judges from Salford Business School, Blackpool & the Fylde College and Ribby Hall.   Following that, there will be an online vote via social media, before the final awards ceremony, which will take place on 27^th September at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

I am delighted to be representing Cumbria again at the 2019 EVAs.  It is such a fantastic event to be part of and a unique opportunity to reflect on your business and celebrate your achievements.  I didn’t enter in 2018 as I didn’t want to push my luck, but I was eager to get involved again in 2019 as it’s such a fantastic event and I am thrilled to be shortlisted in the very competitive category of Professional Services once again.  The judging process has gone well so far, now I’m just waiting in anticipation of the big night in Blackpool.

What makes it even more special for me this year, is that two of my clients have also been shortlisted.  Salon Rouge, also from Penrith, have been shortlisted in the Beauty Business category, the only hairdressing salon in the whole of the North West in the category and Raspberry Fields Pony Parties, who are based in Warrington, are shortlisted in the Customer Services category.  Fingers crossed it will be an evening of celebrations all round.