This year’s awards include a new category - Stepping Up - which is open to women who are progressing through the ranks of middle management and have shown real commitment to their roles.
The other categories include: Woman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Entrepreneur, Mentor of the Year (male and female nominees accepted), Rising Star, Small Business and Large Business.
It is free to enter the awards and details of how to nominate are available at www.women1st.co.uk/awards. Entries close on 28 March 2013. Winners will be announced at a black tie dinner on the 19 June 2013 at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, following the Women 1st Conference (www.women1st.co.uk/conference).
The awards evening will also see Women 1st induct 25 outstanding women into the prestigious Top 100 Club. The Top 100 Club includes some of the most influential women in hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism, who act as ambassadors and role models for the female leaders of tomorrow. Members include Delia Smith, Alex Polizzi, Angela Hartnett and Nigella Lawson. Nominations for induction can be made at www.women1st.co.uk/top-100.
Jill Stein, director of The Seafood Restaurant and winner of the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2012 Women 1st Shine Awards, said: “The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase the achievements of women. I was thrilled to have been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and to receive recognition in my industry is something that I only dreamed about. I would encourage all women to get involved with these awards to receive the recognition they deserve.”
Sharon Glancy, founder of Women 1st, said: “Last year’s awards and conference were a resounding success and we are looking forward to this year’s entries. Women continue to make an outstanding contribution to our industry and their efforts must be recognised and celebrated.”