Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards – finalists announced
Specsavers and Everywoman have announced the finalists in their 2011 Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards.
Established to help readdress the gender balance in management roles within the retail industry, the awards recognise inspirational role models and women in retail who have shattered glass ceilings through hard work and determination to succeed.
With the UK coming out of recession, this is an opportunity to recognise the women who have successfully steered their companies through the economic downturn, many of which would otherwise go unnoticed. The organisers say the chosen finalists demonstrate the wide range of career options available for women and the exciting opportunities available.
The finalists are as follows.
Star of the Future Category – in a business with a turnover under £200 million
Claire Elbourn, Retail Area Manager of Ann Summers Ltd, from Basildon
Kerry McDowall, Area Business Manager – Scotland East of Hallett Retail – The Concessions People, from Glasgow
Victoria Taylor, Marketing Manager of Ann Summers Ltd, from Surrey
Star of the Future Category – in a business with a turnover over £200 million
Alison Ford, Buying Manager of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, from Bradford
Bola Oke, Senior Store Manager of Vodafone UK Ltd, from Leeds
Stacey Skinner, Store Manager of Marks and Spencer Plc, from Bristol
Leader of the Year Category – in a business with a turnover under £200 million
Octavia Morley, Managing Director of Crew Clothing co., from London
Samantha Murray, Manager of Dorothy Perkins, from Lichfield
Catherine Owens, Founder/Managing Director of Amber & Jade, from London
Leader of the Year Category – in a business with a turnover over £200 million
Lisa Miao, Commercial Director – Chilled Foods, Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC, from Bradford
Sarah Miller, Head of Region South West, Marks and Spencer, from Newport
Paula Varley, Head of Region (Simply Food London City) Marks and Spencer, from London
Innovator of the Year Category – Sponsored by Hallett Retail – The Concessions People
Miranda Elliott, Operating Model Workstream Leader of Asda Stores Ltd, from Leeds
Becky John, Managing Director of Who Made Your Pants, from Southampton
Keren Long, Bangladesh Sourcing General Manager, George Clothing – Asda Stores Ltd, Nottingham
Entrepreneur of the Year Category – Sponsored by Asda Ltd
Georgina Cooper, Company Director/Founder of PretaPortobello Ltd, from London
Harriet Kelsall, Managing Director of Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, from Cambridge and North Hertfordshire
Ann-Maree Morrison, Director of Labels4Kids Limited, from Stirling
Online Retailer of the Year Category
Sarah Curran, CEO & Founder of my-wardrobe.com, from London
Paula Hassett, Head of the Multi Channel Foundation Programme of Marks and Spencer PLC, from London
Debbie Morris, Senior Channel Development Manager of Vodafone (UK) Ltd, from Newbury
Maxine Benson, co-founder of Everywoman said: “The quality of entries in this year’s awards was very impressive – inspirational women like this show that with hard work, passion and leadership, there is a place for ambitious women in retail. These finalists are a huge inspiration for other women and I wish them all the best of luck”.
Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers said: “There are some excellent opportunities for women in the retail industry. Although there are not as many women in senior positions as there should be, there are many good prospects. At Specsavers, many of our stores are owned by female opticians who recognise the importance of excellent customer service and high retail standards. I congratulate all the entrants in this year’s awards – to come this far shows commitment, resourcefulness and true retail flair – each is a shining example to all women in business.”
The winners of the seven different categories will be announced at a glittering ceremony at The Savoy, on 14 September. For table bookings and ticket enquiries, please contact Everywoman directly on 020 7981 2574 and for further information visit www.everywoman.com
