Businesswoman hopes for award win with VIP cardÂ

AN ENTREPRENEUR who used her personal experiences as a mum to set up an employee benefit scheme has spoken of her pride at being nominated for two awards.Â
Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP CardMaddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card
Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card

Maddy Alexander-Grout is a finalist in two categories of the Hampshire Women's Business Awards.

Launched in 2017, Maddy's business, My VIP Card, is a discount card and employee benefit scheme for people who live and work in Hampshire.

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She was inspired to start the business after meeting a group of first-times mums who were struggling to get out and about with their little ones because of how expensive it was.

The aim of the scheme is to support local businesses by offering them free advertising and helping them reach their target market and providing affordable employee benefits to help reward and motivate staff, as well as help the public save money.

Today, Maddy promotes more than 500 local businesses and she lets each company choose a charity to donate to for every subscription bought.

Her business is in the running for the Business of the Year, as well as the Phenomenal Product award.

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Maddy said: '˜I am so honoured to be a finalist, I want to help companies to be able to give their staff a benefit that doesn't break the bank and that supports the local economy, and this is such an amazing way to get my story out there.

'˜I wouldn't have got here without my amazing local business partners who have supported me every step of the way.'

Across the eight awards, more than 100 business from around the county were nominated.

The awards were launched in May by Trudy Simmons, to celebrate the success of the Hampshire Women's Business Facebook group she runs.

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'˜Trudy has created such an amazing community and these awards are a great example of female entrepreneurs, we need a platform to showcase what we do and be recognised for the work we put in,' Maddy said.

Trudy set up the Facebook group last year to provide business women across Hampshire a place to receive support. It now has more than 2,800 members.

Trudy said: '˜Female entrepreneurs need to be celebrated '“ as women we do not shout about our achievements enough. I would like to congratulate all our finalists'

The winners will be announced on Saturday.Â