FINALISTS FOR 44th VEUVE CLICQUOT BUSINESS WOMAN AWARD ANNOUNCED
To mark International Women’s Day the finalists for the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award have been announced. In its 44th year, the awards are widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of female entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK.
This year finalists come from a diverse range of businesses, with the judging panel noting the growing impact and positive change that the following women are having on UK businesses and commerce.
The finalists in alphabetical order, are:
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Clare Gilmartin, CEO, Trainline
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Charlotte Tilbury, Founder and Creative Director, Charlotte Tilbury
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Sarah Wood, Founder and co-CEO, Unruly
All finalists selected by the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award judging panel demonstrated the strongest evidence of satisfying all nomination criteria. Notable achievements include the leadership of Trainline CEO, Clare Gilmartin, who has taken her trailblazing business through a rebrand, championed the rollout of mobile tickets across the UK rail network and is rapidly expanding into Europe.
Additionally Charlotte Tilbury has taken her passion and expertise as the world’s number 1 make-up artist and continues to successfully build her award-winning and record breaking beauty brand globally, and Sarah Wood, who co-founded a business that has tapped into the rise of online video consumption and now works with 90% of AdAge 100 brands.
Finalists for the fourth Veuve Clicquot New Generation Award are also announced today. The latest category aims to recognise the pioneers of tomorrow’s successful businesses.
The finalists are, in alphabetical order:
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Alice Bentinck, Founder, Entrepreneur First
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Robyn Exton, Founder HER
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Cassandra Stavou, Founder and CEO, Propercorn
Mirroring the early years of Madame Clicquot, who at the age of 27, took over the House of Veuve Clicquot, the winner of this award demonstrates a fearless approach in optimising a gap in today’s market and bringing an innovative offer and approach to business.
All finalists selected by the Veuve Clicquot New Generation Award judging panel demonstrated impressive evidence of satisfying all areas of the nomination criteria, including entrepreneurship, innovation and a strong sense of corporate social responsibility. Notable achievements included Alice Bentinck’s ambition to offer graduates viable opportunities to become entrepreneurs straight out of education, Robyn Exton’s passion to create a network connecting the lesbian and bisexual female market, as well as Cassandra Stavrou’s innovative approach to building a brand that offers a healthy and alternative snack choice.
Julie Nollet, Marketing & Communication Director, Moët Hennessy UK, commented:
“The women shortlisted across each category are some of the strongest we’ve ever had, which really highlights the importance of women in business today. Madame Clicquot was one of the world’s first female entrepreneurs and even in the 19th century, demonstrated tremendous business acumen, innovation and desire to succeed. It is incredible to see that all of our nominees exhibit these same values over two hundred years later.
The two categories that make up the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards allows us to celebrate all facets of female business success in the UK – whether that’s from the titans of British Business or the generation of new leaders that are defining a market. It is important that these women are celebrated not least because of their achievements, but also as a catalyst to inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs and CEOs.”
The winner of both awards will be announced on the 9th May 2016 at a reception in The Ballroom at Claridge’s. The award’s high-profile judging panel is comprised of business leaders from various industries, including, Caroline Michel, CEO Peters, Frasers & Dunlop, Ruth Rogers, River Café, Matthew Gwyther, Editor of Management Today, Stephen Quinn, Publishing Director of Vogue and Moira Benigson, Founder of MBS Group.
About Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards
Regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award, now in its 44th year, celebrates entrepreneurial women who have made a significant contribution to business life in the UK. The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award nomination criteria are those ideals epitomised by Madame Clicquot: Entrepreneurship, financial success, Corporate Social Responsibility and acting as a role model.
Created in 1972 as a tribute to Madame Clicquot and now operating in 27 countries, the annual Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award champions the success of business women worldwide who share the same qualities as Madame Clicquot; her enterprising spirit, her courage and the determination necessary to accomplish her aims.
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