Award scheme showcases work of businesswomen

Businesses, all owned or run by women, have been nominated in various categories that acknowledge creativity, community, business enterprise and excellent service.

The awards are being organised by Trudy Simmons, who runs the Hampshire Women's Business Facebook group. 

Trudy set up the Facebook group last year to provide business women across Hampshire a place to receive support and guidance.  It has been well received and in the last six months it has more than doubled its size to more than 2,300 members.

Trudy launched the awards in May to celebrate the group's success. In total more than 100 businesses have been nominated across eight awards and thousands of people have voted for their favourites so far. 

She said: '˜Women in business need to be celebrated. In general, women rarely shout about their successes, and I wanted to change that.

'˜I have been blown away by the number of votes that have been cast so far and I'm sure it will only increase.

'˜It just shows how many amazing business women we have across Hampshire and the amount of support and community there is among female entrepreneurs.' 

The awards night, which is a sold out event, will take place on Saturday, November 17.

People can cast their votes by visiting http://bit.ly/HWBAVoting

Businesses from The News area are nominated for the following awards: 

Super Service '“ UK Hypopressives in Fareham, and Pellings Business Solutions in Whiteley

Reach for the Stars '“  Bee-Released, from Portchester 

Dream BIG Award '“ Boozy Bakers in Denmead and Table Manners Events and Catering in Fareham 

Entrepreneurial Spirit '“ Bee Released, Dress Rehearsal & Free Range Women, from Fareham

Local Spirit '“ Discover Wine in Denmead, Sam's Haven in Denmead and Pellings Business Solutions

The Hampshire Women's Business of the Year '“ UK Hypopressives