/WIBnomform08

The search is on for the best female-led business in the Northwest.

The brand new Northwest Women in Business Awards will bring together women behind some of the region’s most innovative and successful companies. By celebrating those women who are already being successful, recognising and rewarding them for achieving that success on their own terms - we hope to encourage more female entrepreneurs which is important to the future prosperity of the Northwest economy.

As a businesswoman are you already helping to shape the future?

Have you got what it takes to inspire girls and young women in schools and colleges to think that the world of business is a real career opportunity?

To enter the 2008 Awards, you must be a female entrepreneur blazing a trail for women. The Awards will recognise those who already combine their social responsibilities and lifestyles with running a highly successful business.

You may enter more than one category. Entries must be received by no later than Thursday 28 February 2008. Details of where to send your entry appear at the end of this form. A special Awards presentation lunch will be held on Thursday 27 March 2008 at Haydock Park Racecourse. The event is free to attend.

Short listed applicants will be invited as guests of the Northwest Women’s Enterprise Forum. To register a place or for more information on the event please visit www.glasgows.co.uk/womeninenterprise or call Glasgows on 01772 767 758.

The inaugural Northwest Women in Business Awards

How to apply...

How do I enter for the opportunity to win great profile for my business and a substantial cash prize?

If you can answer YES to the following three questions we sincerely hope you will enter.

1. Do you have a clear vision for the future of your business?

2. Is your business model sustainable?

3. Are you the founding member or principal partner in the business with the determination and self belief to achieve your goals and inspire others?

I am applying for...

Business Start-up of the Year Award: This Award is to recognise a woman who has recently ventured out on her own you need to have been trading for no more than 3 years by 10 March 2008.

The winner will have vision, enthusiasm, leadership and a stubborn refusal to be dissuaded from her chosen path.

1st Prize: £2,000 / Runner-up: £1,000 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: (Must be under 30 years of age) This Award will go to the young woman entrepreneur aged 30 or below who can add talent to youth, vitality and ambition, and help us, help them, shape tomorrow’s future.

1st Prize: £2,000 / Runner-up: £1,000 Entrepreneur of the Year Award: This Award goes to the woman who has identified enterprise and business ownership as a viable, credible and satisfying career choice - balancing work life with family commitments and has overcome the sorts of issues which many women encounter in developing and growing their own enterprise. The winner will encourage many more women to set up in business on their own and to find the freedom to do the things they really enjoy.

1st Prize: £5,000 / Runner-up: £2,000

Business Details In order to keep the entry form as simple as possible, we have referred to your enterprise or organisation as a business.

Ms/Miss/Mrs - please indicate: First Name(s):

Surname:

Position in business:

Name of business:

Company Registration Number (12 characters): Type of Organisation (i.e. sole trader or Ltd Co):

Number of Employees:

Business Address: County:

Postcode:

Daytime/Business Telephone (Incl area code): Mobile: Website:

Extn: Email:

Your Motivations (Maximum one paragraph of 1000 characters - approx 250 words) Describe the main activity of your business (e.g. idea of the nature of your business, products/services, client base)

When did you set up your business and what motivated you?

What have been the most challenging aspects of setting up and running your business?

What is your vision for the business for the next 3 years?

If you were successful, how would winning an award benefit your business?

Business Figures To qualify for entry to the Awards, please complete the following information: 2005-2006 (£)

2006-2007 (£)

Forecast 2007-2008 (£)

PROFIT AND LOSS Turnover Net Profit BALANCE SHEET Fixed Assets incl buildings/equipment Current Assets incl debt/stock/cash Long term liabilities Equity incl capital/profit&loss a/c

Supporting your business Do you have a business plan?

Yes

No

If yes, how often do you update it?

Every 3 - 5 years

Annually

Every 6 months

Other (please specify): Have you had business planning support?

Yes

No

If yes, from which of the following sources? Specific association/affiliated body (please specify) Accountant

Business Link

Family

Solicitor

Friends

Other (Please specify):

Declaration I confirm that the information given on this form is true and accurate, and that I am authorised to provide the information on behalf of the business.

Name:

Date:

To enter the Northwest Women in Business Awards 2008 please complete this form and send to: BBV Limited c/o Enterprise Team, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Renaissance House, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1XB. Alternatively, you can email this form back to us at womeninenterprise@nwda.co.uk.

Information from this form will be held in a secure environment and will only be distributed to a committee of BBV/Northwest Regional Development Agency personnel for selection for short listing. The judges’ decision is final.

No correspondence will be entered into. No personal information will be distributed or used without your permission.

By entering the Northwest Women in Business Awards you agree to take part in publicity and, if shortlisted, to being photographed which will take place week beginning Monday 10 March 2008. Winning or shortlisted applicants will be notified by 10 March 2008 if they have been successful.

Closing date for entries is Thursday 28 February 2008.

The organisers are committed to Equality and Diversity and making the scheme as accessible as possible if you require this form in an alternative format please contact Jo Cocker at Northwest Regional Development Agency on 01925 400 100.

Good luck to all entrants and we hope to see you at Haydock Park Racecourse Thursday 27 March 2008.