Broadclyst-based Choccie Bar in final stages for Devon Venus Awards
Choccie Bar is celebrating with chocolate frappé as the company has become a finalist for 'New Business of the Year Award' in the NatWest Venus Business Awards 2013.
Choccie Bar, still in its first year of trading, was nominated in March for this award, sponsored by Hartnell Chanot & Partners Family Solicitors and has just learned that out of nearly 100 companies that were nominated, Choccie Bar has made it to the final three.
Based in Broadclyst, Choccie Bar creates stunning luxury handmade chocolates. Using the finest Belgian couverture, the company is fast gaining a reputation for creating original and delectable flavours and gorgeous, artisan designer confectionery.
"To hear we have made the finals in this competition is tremendous. The Venus Awards give those who enter a real insight into the wealth of talent in our region and an opportunity to meet and network with a wide range of amazing women with incredible stories and businesses - it's a truly inspiring experience”, says Katie Jones, owner of Choccie Bar.
"The selection and interview process which Hartnell Chanot, sponsors of the New Business of the Year category, took us through has been very well considered which has made the whole experience both interesting and extremely useful", she adds.
Stuart Wright, Marketing and Business Development Manager for Hartnell Chanot & Partners, has been a key member of the judging panel: “The standard of the entries that we received for the Venus Awards New Business category has been incredibly high, he comments, adding of the Choccie Bar submission:
“Katie has launched a fantastic business that is fuelled by an unmistakable level of passion, creativity, ingenuity and is underpinned by solid business principles.”
The Venus Awards, have been steadily growing both geographically and in momentum. Sponsored by NatWest, it was launched in Devon in March and, as the name would suggest, the Venus Awards seek out, examine and cast a unique spotlight on the successes of women in business.
Scrutinising every aspect of the business arena for women, the awards pay tribute to a wide range of business categories including 'New Business of the Year', 'Business Mother of the Year' and 'Lifetime Achievement'.
The Venus Awards are the brainchild of Tara Howard who joined forces with Celia Delaney of Speaking Success to bring them to life in Devon.
"Women influence 85% of all consumer purchases, 81% of all business purchases they majority own 620,000 UK businesses - are great utilisers of social media and by far and away the best networkers, women are not a niche market, neither are they a new market - they are the market and it's high time that they were recognised for it. That's what the Venus Awards are all about," says Tara.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in September held at the University of Exeter's Great Hall - tickets are available from the Devon Venus Awards website: http://devon.venusawards.co.uk/awards-ceremony/
