The second Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards have attracted a wealth of serious talent from professional women – including two from the Isle of Man.
From industries as diverse as food and fashion, lawyers and linens, the cream of North West and Isle of Man business women have been shortlisted for the awards which will take place at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on 26 November, sponsored by Barclays, before an audience of senior businesswomen and their guests.
Managing Director Etta Cohen said Forward Ladies had been overwhelmed by the response to this year’s awards: “We have some amazing female talent in the region, and although economic times are challenging, women are forging ahead with their businesses and looking for new and creative opportunities to take their careers and businesses forward.”
The following are the shortlisted candidates in each section, with the winners due to be announced at the awards ceremony. The winners in each category will then be considered for the title of North West and Isle of Man Business Woman of the Year:
Dawn Webb is shortlisted in the corporate business woman of the year sponsored by Grant Thornton, and also in the professional services category sponsored by Sterling Insurance and JM Glendinning.
Dawn’s experience with construction, manufacturing, agriculture, car dealerships including AIM and London Stock Exchange listed clients, has resulted in her being chosen at a very early stage in her career as one of three resident partners of Moore Stephens, on the Isle of Man, currently ranked as the 11th largest accountancy network in the world. Since being appointed as partner, Dawn has raised fee income by 15% in what are extraordinarily difficult trading conditions. Dawn is also shortlisted in the corporate business woman of the year category.
Karen Hanly is shortlisted in the retail business woman of the year sponsored by Jeff Banks:
With no retail experience but a desire to succeed, Karen acquired the lease to a convenience store on the Isle of Man which had gone into liquidation, and six weeks later opened the doors to Hanly's. Karen is completely hands on in running the business, from stacking shelves, standing behind the till talking to customers, and working behind the deli counter.Her promise to regular customers is that if there is something they want but can't get anywhere else they will go out of our way to find it.
