Last week for Venus Awards nominations

Not long to go to recognise your favourite working women!

The nominations for the Natwest Venus Awards in Devon will close in one week following more than a thousand nominations so far.

This is the second year the Venus Awards have run in the county and organisers say the support is bigger and better than ever before.

The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into 15 categories covering all aspects of business and personal achievement.

Founded by Tara Howard, a mother of four and managing director of the historic Langtry Manor Hotel in Dorset, the Venus Awards were created to give due credit to women in business who can sometimes be overlooked and undervalued.

Celia Delaney, from Speaking Success, who runs the awards in Devon, said: “Its phenomenal how many nominations we have had this year, more than one and a half thousand so far, and some really incredible women have been nominated across all the categories.”

The categories for the Venus Awards this year, which are sponsored by female friendly local businesses, are:

NatWest - Small Business of the Year – for a business with less than 12 employees

HeartFM – Business Mother of the Year – for working mothers

The Exeter Daily – Employee of the Year – for women employed by men or women

Bishop Fleming – Entrepreneur of the Year – for a woman that is prepared to takes risks in business

Sandler Training - Employer of the Year – For male or female managers that look after their female employees.

Western Morning News - Inspirational Woman – A woman that indulges in selfless support of others or has overcome adversity.

Stones Solicitors LLP - New Business – for business less than 2 years old

Sampson Hall – Business of the Year – for a business with more than 12 employees

Leading Women UK – Influential Woman – for someone who motivates others and makes a difference.

Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management - High Achiever – for the woman that has broken through the corporate glass ceiling.

Green Business – for businesses with some green initiatives.

Home Based Business – For businesses run from home.

New Media and Online Business – Excelling in social media with 50%+ business online.

Customer Service Award – For the individual or business that goes that extra mile.

Lifetime achievement award – A lady over 35 who has been successful for many years.

Using the simple online nomination process, you are encouraged to nominate a friend, relative, work colleague, your boss, employee, client, or anyone you feel worthy of an award.

“We’ve invested a lot into the technology behind the Venus Awards, to make it as quick and simple as possible, for both those nominating and those finding themselves nominated,’ explains Venus Awards founder Tara.  “What better way to thank and celebrate the efforts of the women in your life? Not wanting the men to miss out, the Employer of the year can also be won by a man, so go for it guys!”

To nominate your favourite working women in Devon you can go to http://devon.venusawards.co.uk/nominate/

There are 15 possible categories this year and entrants can find more information by visiting http://devon.venusawards.co.uk/