Judges prepare to grill business women on the Fylde

Hundreds of entries have been received and judges will now assess applications before compiling a shortlist for each category.

Shortlists will be assessed by three independent judges and an average of six finalists will be selected for each award.

But, it doesn’t stop there, as finalists will then have to undergo a 20-minute interview in front of the panel. Points scored from their interview will be then be added to votes received, which assist the result where the interview results are tied or extremely close, and winners are announced at the ceremony.

Coral Horn, founder of the Pink Link Ladies networking group and organiser of the EVAs, said: “We work hard each year promoting the awards across the region.

“We don’t just open the website, but we go out and meet ladies and as a result we see new applications which keeps the awards fresh and interesting. The judges have an tough task now as they use due diligence to vet each shortlisted applicant and we look forward to seeing who they choose as their finalists.”

“I have been blown away literally by the calibre of some of the applicants but also moved and inspired by others.

“I look forward to meeting the ladies in person at the interview stage.”

More than 30 judges will take part in helping choose the finalists including, Natwest’s Heather Waters, who continue to support these female only business awards as headline sponsors.

All judges have been selected from a variety of businesses covering various skills and expertise, many working with the awards since they began in 2011.

Judging for the awards start on Monday July, 25 and voting will open for each category once all finalists have been announced.

Miss Horn added: “We are contacting finalists now and delivering the news that they are through and it is exciting and infectious as the anticipation of the ceremony builds for September 23, we can’t wait.”