First Women Awards 2013 – call for nominations

The search to unearth Britain’s brightest female trailblazers has begun with the launch of the 2013 First Women Awards, held in association with Lloyds Banking Group.

Created in 2005 by Real Business and the CBI, the First Women Awards recognise pioneering women who are setting the agenda for future generations across a range of sectors including the Built Environment and engineering and technology.

Over their seven-year history, the awards have been presented to women who have broken new ground in many fields, including Diane Johnson who became the first woman to be appointed president of the Electrical Contractors’ Association and pioneer of ‘Wired for Success’, an initiative designed to help more women enter the industry; as well as the first female CEO of the Sports Ground Safety Authority, Ruth Shaw, who has triumphed in a male-dominated industry and played an integral role in transforming the safety of sports grounds across the country.

Other previous award winners include founder of Specsavers, Dame Mary Perkins; Angela Strank, the most senior woman within oil giant BP and Thea Green, founder and managing director of international beauty brand, Nails Inc.

Katja Hall, Chief Policy Director CBI, said: “It’s encouraging that the number of women in senior positions in UK companies has increased during the last year. The challenge now is to keep this momentum going. The CBI is proud to support the First Women Awards which showcase the achievements of female leaders and create positive role models for other aspiring women.”

Fiona Cannon, Diversity & Inclusion Director, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “With over 30 million customers, Lloyds Banking Group touches almost every household in the UK. As a Group, we are committed to supporting the UK economy and helping Britain to prosper – this includes leading the way on gender equality. Women are making great progress in many fields, but there are still many areas within which there is yet to be a ‘first woman to…’. That’s why the First Women Awards are so important, and why the Group has partnered with them for seven years. The awards recognise women who have broken the glass ceiling in their chosen field and opened up the way for others. It’s important that we celebrate these women and publicise their achievements, helping other women see what is possible for themselves.”

Matthew Rock, co-founder, Real Business, said: “The First Women Awards are the hub for Britain’s most pioneering, exciting women. Over eight years, we have established a platform and mutually supportive network for remarkable and fearless women. From engineering to media; from science to retail, we are proud to have created a programme with no boundaries.”

The closing date for entries is Friday April 5, 2013, with the awards ceremony taking place at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on Wednesday June 12, 2013, hosted by broadcaster and sports presenter, Clare Balding.

For information on how to enter the awards click here.

Get involved by tweeting @Real_Business or #firstwomenawards