Pair on the shortlist for women’s awards
TWO entrepreneurs from Runcorn have been shortlisted for a North West awards competition recognising the best women in business in the region.
Katie Range, of KC Marketing Range, is a finalist in the internet category, and Amy Peters, of Creature Comforts Cheshire dog walkers, is in the running for the small business gong at the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVA).
The two Runcorn contenders are among 109 entries picked for the finals.
An EVA spokesman said an independent panel deliberated for weeks to decide the shortlists.
He said the number of entries is at an all-time high and competition across the categories is ‘extremely tough’.
One- hundred- and- nine businesses from across the North West have qualified with Runcorn seeing two go through.
Each finalist will face a panel of judges before the winners are announced on Friday, September 29, in a ceremony at Blackpool Winter Gardens.
Launched back in 2011, the EVAs provide women across the North West with the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements in business.
Coral Horn, founder of networking group Pink Link Ladies and organiser of the awards, said: “It’s crunch time. ●
“It hasn’t been easy to reach the shortlist, but the judges have now chosen their finalists.
“There is a huge amount of quality across all of the categories and it certainly won’t be easy for the judges.
“Entries for the awards are at an all-time high and I think that has reflected in the entries we have received.
“Ladies must now prepare to make their presentation in front of the judges, should they impress, they stand an excellent chance of scooping a coveted award!”
The awards are sponsored by NatWest and Heather Waters, territory enterprise manager for the firm, said: “We’re delighted to be the headline sponsor for the EVA for the fifth consecutive year.
“Each year we are seeing the awards grow and become even more popular and we are proud to be involved in an event that supports and celebrates not only enterprise but successful and powerful women in various industries too.
“It’s an exciting awards to be a part of, no matter what size your business is.”
The EVA spokesman said the judging process is a mix of public nomination with a round of judging and an interview with a panel of highly-regarded business professionals.
Public votes can be cast at www.enterprisevisionawards. co.uk, from Monday, August 14.
The public votes form a minority share and are graded before being combined with the judges’ scores to choose the overall winner.