North's Got Talent
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FINALISTS for the inaugural Northern Power Women (NPW) Awards have been announced.
Diverse talent – from creators of eco-friendly cleaning companies to young tech entrepreneurs saving students’ pockets, to the BBC’s Steph McGovern – makes the shortlist for the first Northern Power Women Awards, which can today can be revealed.
With just two weeks until the winners are revealed at a ceremony at the Hilton in Manchester, the shortlist not only shows the expanse of talent outside of London but also recognises professionals, who put gender balance in the workplace high on their agenda.
The awards exclusively champion northern professionals who strive to improve gender diversity in the workplace.
Unlike other diversity campaigns, the Northern Power Women Awards also celebrates men, who actively work to create diversity and champion women within their organisations.
Shortlisted candidates were chosen from a field of almost 700 nominees from a range of businesses and organisations.
Rachel Ray, age 46, from Altrincham founded Bright & Beautiful in 2007 with just £200 initial investment and has grown the company to more than 50 franchises nationwide, employing more than 400 people with an annual turnover of £3.6m.
Steph McGovern, age, 33, a proud North Easterner, has spent four years as an award winning business correspondent on BBC Breakfast, broadcasting from over 400 companies and making it her mission to reflect diversity in business and, in particular, promoting women on TV as experts and leaders.
Simone Roche, founder of Northern Power Women, said: “We had a tough time choosing our shortlist, which on its own reflects the deep pool of impressive talent the North has to offer.
“We believe the Chancellor’s Northern Powerhouse will not be able to deliver without recognising the full potential of the northern workforce, and that includes both men and women in equal measure.’
The nine categories, include ‘Agent of Change’, ‘One to Watch’, ‘Mentor of the Year’, ‘Outstanding Entrepreneur’, ‘Person with Purpose’, ‘Transformational Leader’, ‘Small Business’, ‘Medium Business’ and ‘Large Business’.
The winners of the first Northern Power Women Awards will be announced on 3 March 2016 at the Manchester Hilton Hotel, Deansgate.
FOR A FULL LIST OF NOMINEES AND QUOTES FROM JUDGES, SEE ATTACHED WORD DOCUMENT.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION/PHOTOS PLEASE CALL SIMONE ROCHE DIRECTLY ON 07831633254
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