The annual Women in Business Awards were held last night at Oakley Hall, Basingstoke. Over 220 guests attended the awards evening to celebrate high-achieving, successful women across the south.
Sponsors of the prestigious awards were Barclays, Blake Morgan, KPMG, Windsor Vehicle Leasing and Ten2Two. The Institute of Directors also gave valuable support. David Murray, publisher of The Business Magazine, said: “Women in Business is five years old and it’s great to see that it continues to attract and engage with very talented people, that it provokes interesting and sometimes controversial debate.”
Three guest speakers took part in lively panel discussion and audience Q&A before presenting the awards to the winners. Lauren Sayeski is chief public affairs and communications officer at Coca-Cola European Partners, Adam Hale is executive vice president of Sage People, and Annabel Bosher is founder of The Great Taste Co and Mary Berry & Daughter.
New awards introduced this year were Career-Break Returner, to recognise how vital it is to attract women back into business, Spotlight on Women in STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and Role Model of the Year.
Finalists: Joy Foster, TechPixies; Lisa Gallacher, Porterhouse Medical; Natalie Reeves, South Coast Creative; Sarah Eades, A-One Insurance Group; Sharon Pursey, SafeToNet; Stella James, Gooseberry Planet.
Winner: Sharon Pursey, SafeToNet
Inspirational in her drive and determination to be at the forefront of using technology to keep technology safe.
Finalists: Boyes Turner, Get Ahead VA, HAP Architects, In Cloud Solutions, Porterhouse Medical, Reality HR.
Winner: In Cloud Solutions
Not just creating work life balance solutions for their female employees, this company ensures that women and men are treated as fully equal.
Finalists: Alessandra Sherman, United Konsultants; Ali Powell, Fitness First; Charlotte Smith, GCS; Sarah Chapman, 3M.
Winner: Sarah Chapman, 3M
Focused on making change right now in the workplace as well as ensuring there will be change in the future.
Finalists: Georgina Hurcombe, LoveLove Films; Helen Todd, Stubbings Property Marketing; Jo Lyon, Talking Talent; Liz Matraves and Caroline Atkinson, In Cloud Solutions; Nicola Hartland, Xcel Sales.
Winner: Georgina Hurcombe, LoveLove Films
Demonstrating that significant results can be achieved by building a business environment around your ethos.
Finalists: Ali Powell, Fitness First; Catherine Maxfield, Eric Robinson Solicitors; Helen O’Kane, BDO; Sara Bertin, Shorefield Holidays; Sarah Eades, A-One Insurance Group.
Winner: Sara Bertin, Shorefield Holidays
Working with the board to overcome fear and reluctance to change, to be brave, and try new things.
Finalists: Alice Thurlow, Osprey Consulting Services; Fi Warren-Smith, FWS Properties; Gillian Hancey, Porterhouse Medical.
Winner: Fi Warren-Smith, FWS Properties
Spent 11 years out of the business environment working in the legal sector, then threw herself into a new career and created a highly successful business in a male-dominated sector.
Finalists: Louize Clarke, ConnectTVT; Renee Watson, The Curiosity Box and WATS.ON; Riham Satti, MeVitae; Ruth Mastenbroek, Ruth Mastenbroek; Sandra Sassow, SEaB Energy.
Winner: Sandra Sassow, SEaB Energy
A local and a global ambassador for STEM, actively involved in her local community, helping to stimulate local business growth and innovation in the green tech sector.
Finalists: Alexandra Finlayson, Vail Williams; Ali Powell, Fitness First; Catherine Turness, Winchester BID; Julianne Ponan, Creative Nature; Julie Sadler, O2 Telefonica; Leona Shepherd, 3M; Sarah Burns, Smart Works Reading.
Winner: Julie Sadler, O2 Telefonica
Frequently has the chance to inspire more than just the 600 people she is responsible for. Employee testimonies attest to her great leadership, which inspires others to push their own potential and make a difference.
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