PETER Cooper Motor Group opened the doors of its new showroom in Hedge End for a special event to announced the semi-finalists of this year’s Venus Awards in Southampton which recognise the area’s top businesswomen.
More than 60 guests from all corners of Southampton and the SO postal region were welcomed to the new £2.5 million showroom to hear that this year’s awards had exceeded all expectations with 1,291 nominations and applications received.
Associate Sponsor Peter Cooper Motor Group continues to support the Awards for a fourth consecutive year, and is also sponsoring the category of Influential Woman.
Darren Cooper, group managing director, said: “ It is quite a challenge to choose just five names from all the quality submissions in each category, but so important that the contributions and achievements of women in business are recognised. We’re very proud to be the Southampton Associate Regional Sponsor.”
The Southern Daily Echo is sponsoring the ever-popular Business Mother of the Year Award, one of two categories that are voted for by the public.
Natalie Sprake, Media Sales Manager for the Daily Echo said: “Each year we are overwhelmed by the women who enter and who juggle family life and running successful businesses in the south at the same time. It was great last night to finally meet some of the finalists at the fantastic new Peter Cooper showroom.”
Other Sponsors of the Southampton Venus Awards are NatWest, Dutton Gregory, Interlink Express, Rubicon Recruitment, Sandler Training, Rothmans LLP, bandv, Silkbow Bookkeeping, Shirlaws, Enhanced, and BAT.
Countess Mountbatten Hospice is this year’s Charity Sponsor.
The winners will be announced at the Hilton Ageas Bowl on April 15.
The Semi-Finalists are:
Dutton Gregory Business of the Year
Caroline Payne – Maraka Jacks Ltd
Freya Smith – British Nannies
Rosie Harris – One2create
Sally Pickles – Vanilla Catering and Events
Emily London – Treasure Gymnastics
Shirlaws Digital Media and Online Business Award
Teresa Francis – Feminine Wear
Adele John – Big Paw Animation
Sarah Sibley – Bake with Sarah Freya Smith – British Nannies
Aycin Wateridge – B Organic Ltd
BAT Entrepreneur of the Year
Emily London – Treasure Gymnastics
Melissa Edmunds – Zinch Designs
Sara Stephens – Bring and Mix
Sarah Quirk – Sarah Quirke Wealth Associates
Fiona Birnie - Sugarflick
Peter Cooper Volkswagen Group Influential Woman Award
Kate Underwood – Kate Underwood HR and Training
Priya Tew – Pilates with Priya and Dietician UK
Dr Roxana Carare – University of Southampton
Victoria Vickery – V:Squared Marketing
Aycin Wateridge – B Organic Ltd
NatWest Inspirational Woman Award
Amanda Haimes – Card Factory
Ashleigh Spice – The Photo Room
Michelle Goodyear – Curves Eastleigh
Alarna Harris – Jurys Inn Hotels
Marie-Claire Prettyman – The Movement Specialist
SMART Accountancy Small Business of the Year
Teresa Francis – Feminine Wear
Kaye Crush – Westgate Wealth Management Ltd
Louise Stagg – Get Set Go Karting
Melissa Edmunds – Zinch Designs
Kerry Herdman – Urban Eden Beauty Ltd
Silk Bow Bookkeeping Lifetime Achievement Award
Sharon Dawson – Eye-Candy
Gill Farnsworth – Countess Mountbatten Hospice
Jo Richardson – Newsquest Southern Daily Echo
Lesley Powell – Sainsburys Supermarkets Ltd
Val Down – Act-On Business Solutions
Rothmans LLP New Business of the Year
Katy Handley-Quint – Olive’s Larder
Kate Underwood – Kate Underwood HR and Training
Lucy Shrimpton – The Sleep Nanny
Samantha Kingston – Virtual Umbrella
Sara Stephens – Bring and Mix
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