Blackpool to host women in business awards

And its host will be a woman who set up her own all-female detective agency.

The Enterprise Vision Awards, which highlights and recognises women in business, will be held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Friday, September 23.

More than 700 guests are expected to attend as finalists will compete to scoop one of the most coveted female business awards of the year.

On the night, entrants will be in safe hands as Rebecca Jane, founder of the Lady Detective Agency, will be the MC, entertaining the audience and announcing the winners of all 15 categories.

A woman with an impressive business background, Rebecca set up her firm in 2009 after she suspected her now ex-husband was having an affair.

She has also featured on BBC’s Dragon’s Den and has appeared on ITV’s This Morning.

Coral Horn, founder of the Pink Link Ladies networking group and who launched the EVA’s back in 2011, said: “Year on year the EVAs somehow seem to get better with the calibre of female entrepreneurism clearly evident.

“Women used to hide themselves under a bushel, and we have been encouraging them all to put their head above the parapet and start shouting from the rooftops about the many incredible achievements they are making in the business arena.

“We are thrilled that the EVA’s has become the credible platform from which they can do that, and we very much look forward to seeing the entries that come through this year.”

To mark the launch of the EVAs, which has attracted NatWest as headline sponsor for a fourth consecutive year, open day events will take place in Manchester and Preston.

Potential entrants can get some hints and tips on how to impress the judges with their application and get advice on how to prepare and perform during the interview stages.

There will also be presentations from previous EVA winners on how they and their businesses have benefited since they won their highly regarded awards.

Heather Waters, Territory Enterprise Manager at NatWest, added: “We are yet again delighted to be supporting this year’s awards.

“We have been involved with the EVAs for five years now and we’re extremely passionate about supporting enterprise and growth opportunities.

“Whatever size or stature your business is, there is a category to suit so we would encourage everyone to look at the categories, put the microscope on their business and submit those entries.”

More information is available at www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk.