An Isle of Man businesswoman is aiming for success this week in the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016, sponsored by HSBC.
Victoria Kissack is shortlisted in the not for profit and rising star categories. She set up Tabitha’s Trust in the Isle of Man after losing her baby daughter. She found a lack of support for families, but used her personal loss and experience to change that. In their first year, they raised and donated ?6,000 worth of Cuddle Cots equipment to local hospitals, and created new pathways of care within the NHS for bereaved families.
The regional final is to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Manchester this Friday (21st October), with winners from this going forward to the grand national finals to be held on the 1st December.
Griselda Togobo, MD of Forward Ladies said: “This has been a fantastic year for women; we continue to start, grow and run high profile successful companies. We have been surprised and delighted by the number and calibre and diversity of the applications we have received for the Women in Business Awards 2016, and look forward to celebrating their success.
“The award categories are a reflection not only of the types of businesses with which women are involved but also industries which need to attract and encourage young women to join for future growth and prosperity.”
Debra White, customer experience director for business banking for HSBC and awards judge said: “There was an impressive number of high-calibre entries this year, highlighting the quality of talented businesswomen we have in the UK. These entrants are the future entrepreneurs of our country, with the Forward Ladies event showcasing the best Britain has to offer. HSBC will be providing support to help these businesses prosper and thrive in the long term.”
Other judges included Ajaz Ahmed, the founder of Freeserve, Helen Samuels from United Utilities and Saha Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic.
Now in its seventh year, the Awards have grown from being purely regional into one of the most prestigious events in the calendar for professional women. The organisation, founded in 1999, supports women in their professional lives and celebrates and champions the role of women in the workplace.
Other sponsors include Co-operative Insurance, United Utilities category sponsor of the STEM award (Science Engineering, Technology and Mathematics), with audio visual partner Saville AV, drinks partner Perfect Cellar, and regional partners Willis Tower Watson and the Manchester Evening News.
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