Portsmouth firms nominated in second Hampshire Women's Business Awards

A POPULAR award scheme that recognises female entrepreneurs has returned for its second year – and has received more than 5,000 votes in its first two weeks.
By Kimberley Barber
Published 30th Apr 2020, 12:30 BST
Updated 1st May 2020, 16:36 BST
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The Hampshire Women’s Business Awards launched on April 14 and more than 100 businesses owned or run by women were put forward across nine categories.

The 2020 Hampshire Women’s Business Awards, sponsored by Now Accounting Services, are organised by business mentor Trudy Simmons, leader of the Hampshire Women’s Business Group on Facebook.

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Trudy Simmons, who runs the Hampshire Women’s Business Facebook group, with Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs MY VIP Card, who won two awards at the first Hampshire Women’s Business AwardsTrudy Simmons, who runs the Hampshire Women’s Business Facebook group, with Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs MY VIP Card, who won two awards at the first Hampshire Women’s Business Awards
Trudy Simmons, who runs the Hampshire Women’s Business Facebook group, with Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs MY VIP Card, who won two awards at the first Hampshire Women’s Business Awards
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She said: ‘The new year can be a challenge for some businesses but to then deal with the impact of coronavirus as well, things have been excruciatingly difficult for a lot of business owners.

‘I know a few who have had to close their businesses and most, if not all, have had to change and adapt in some way to ensure their survival.

‘I hope that an award nomination will bring reassurance to business owners, so they know their hard work and tenacity does not go unnoticed.’

Trudy set up the Hampshire Women’s Business Group on Facebook in 2017 to provide support to business women across Hampshire.

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The group includes a wide range of businesses from legal services to web design to corporate photography to cafes.

Trudy said: ‘Women in business need to be celebrated. In general, women rarely shout about their successes, and I want to change that.

‘I’ve been astounded by the number of votes cast so far and I’m sure it will only increase. It shows the diversity and how many amazing business women we have across Hampshire and the amount of support and community there is among female entrepreneurs.’

Businesses from The News’ area among the 100 shortlisted include; Dr Jennifer Jones – Editor & Writing Coach, Loads of Balloons in Fareham, Melanie Beech Accountancy Services in Gosport, Now Watch Me Fly, The Bridal Hall in Gosport, The Willows Insurance Services in Denmead and My VIP Card.

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For the full list and to vote go to thedaisychaingroup.com/the-hampshire-women-s-business-awards-2020-voting before May 29.

A night to announce the winners is being planned, with the date yet to be announced.

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