ACHIEVEMENTS of the region’s top female business leaders have been celebrated at the 16th annual North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Owner of the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of bean-filled furniture Jayne Dolder of Cramlington-based The Bazaar Group scooped the top honour with the prestigious Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship.
Held during a glittering awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter, judges scored candidates based on providing clear leadership abilities whilst either running or playing key roles in the North East business scene.
A record breaking number of entries came forward from a variety of sectors, with categories including best creative award, best home based business, best service award and STEM award.
Overall winner Jayne Dolder, who also won the best creative award category, said: “I was astounded to be shortlisted not only in one but two categories, so that in itself was a great achievement, but to have walked away with both awards including the prestigious title of North East Female Entrepreneur of the Year is just a dream come true. It is an honour for me but also to my fabulous team who have helped make the business a success.”
Event organiser Nickie Gott, who chairs the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Advisory Board, WIN Ltd, and is the founder of events management company She’s Gott It! said: “Congratulations to all winners who are proving to be successful role models and such an inspiration to the next generation of female talent in our region. Learning from peers is vital for female business owners with growth aspirations and all winners will do just that, inspire and encourage others.
“Jayne Dolder is the latest in a long line of acclaimed female entrepreneurs to win the Susan Dobson memorial Award.
“Her outstanding success in creating and growing her business and her vision, enthusiasm and leadership skills really made her stand out as this year’s winner.”
NECC director of policy Ross Smith said: “I am delighted that the NECC is so closely involved with the WIN Awards. These awards are a clear demonstration and celebration of the great accomplishments of so many individual women and it is very special that we come together to celebrate their endeavours.”
The winners
Best Creative Award
Sponsor: NL Productions
Jayne Dolder,
The Bazaar Group – Northumberland
Best Home Based Business
Sponsor: WIN Ltd
Margaret Manchester
Durham Hens Limited – Durham
Best New Business
Sponsor: NECC
Kelly Bentham and Helen Godfrey
Amber North East- Durham
Best Service Award
Sponsor: WIN Ltd
Fran Mulhall
GFW Letting – Newcastle upon Tyne
Best Small Business
Sponsor: Tees Valley Unlimited
Angela Sterling
Lingotot – Durham
Best Use Of Innovation
Sponsor: Newcastle College
Laura Leigh Wayman
Child’s Play Private Nursery – Newcastle upon Tyne
Heart Of The Community
Sponsor: The Sage Group
Paula Gascoigne
Smile For Life Children’s Charity
Leadership Award
Sponsor: WIN Ltd
Holly Armstrong
George F. White – Northumberland
STEM Award
Sponsor: Business Durham
Ruth Plummer
Clinical Professor of Experimental Cancer medicine
Newcastle University (Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre) – Newcastle upon Tyne
The Susan Dobson Award For Entrepreneurship
Jayne Dolder
The Bazaar Group, Cramlington Northumberland
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsor: Natwest
Lyndsey Johnson
LJ Retail Group – Durham
Best Apprenticeship Award
Sponsor: Accenture
Victoria English
Caterpillar Peterlee
Runners Up
STEM Award
Giselle Stewart
Ubisoft Reflections Limited – Newcastle upon Tyne
Best Small Business
Margaret Manchester
Durham Hens Limited – Durham
