Venus Awards 2015 open for nominations

The Devon Venus Business Women Awards 2015 officially opened for nominations at a glamorous launch party in Exeter on 21 May.

Local business men and women were welcomed at Exeter Castle by event organisers Celia Delaney of SpeakingSuccess and Alexis Bowater of Bowater Communications.

The awards aim to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the county’s working women and entrepreneurs.

Celia introduced the categories and officially opened the online nominations for Devon as part of an evening targeted to impress the high powered women of the county.

She also officially handed over as Regional Partner to Alexis Bowater saying: “It's a very difficult position to be in to step into Celia’s shoes, she's done an amazing job. There's a reason why they are called working women's Oscars – it is hard work, but there is also sequins and red carpets! I'm really looking forward to this journey together. We are going to have a really successful and fun Devon Venus awards 2015!”

Devon’s second event was held last year and attracted over 2,000 nominations. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

The Awards, which celebrate the vital input of women in business, will this year see local working women competing in 13 award categories, including:

HeartFM – Business Mother of the Year – a woman who successfully juggles business and family life
The Exeter Daily – Employee of the Year – a lady who goes beyond the call of duty
Natwest - Employer of the Year – for a great female friendly boss or manager (male or female) responsible for over 5 employees
Bishop Fleming – Director of the Year – an outstanding female director or board member
Sampson Hall – Business of the Year – for a business with 10 or more employees
Brend Hotels – Customer Service Award – for the individual or business that goes that extra mile
Wizard Jeans - New Business Award – for business less than 2 years old
Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management – Lifetime Achievement Award –a lady over 35 who has achieved over many years
Plymouth Science Park – Digital Media and Online Business – either 50%+ online or develops/supports technology
Inspirational Woman – A woman that indulges in selfless support of others or has overcome adversity
Entrepreneur of the Year – for a woman who dares to take risks in business that pay off
Small Business Award – for a small business with a big attitude with less than 5 employees
Inspirational Woman Award – for a woman that goes out of her way to help others

Julie Pogson, winner of last year’s Business of the Year award at the launch last night said, “It is not the sort of thing I would normally go for. I never dreamt I would go through to the final, let alone win! It has been amazing fun.”

The launch also saw the announcement of this year’s official Devon Venus Awards charity, Children’s Hospice South West.

Naomi Dymond, the Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as this year's charity for the Devon Venus Awards. We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to run our three hospices and without support such as this, we simply couldn't continue to be there for local life-limited children and their families.

"Thank you for helping us to make the most of short and precious lives."

Christian Jenkins from Plymouth Science Park who are sponsoring the Digital Media and Online Business Award this year said: “We are the largest science and technology park in the South West, helping develop a range of businesses, but this is something completely different from anything we have done before.

"Not only is it a great experience for us, but the exposure we get in return is extraordinarily high.”

For business wishing to connect with the ever more powerful women in business, there are still some categories available for sponsorship including Entrepreneur, Small Business and Inspirational Woman of the Year Award.

There are 13 possible categories this year and entrants can find more information by visiting http://devon.venusawards.co.uk/

Using the simple online nomination process, you are encouraged to nominate a friend, relative, work colleague, your boss, employee, client, or anyone you feel worthy of an award.

To nominate your favourite working women in Devon visit http://devon.venusawards.co.uk/nominate/