Nine women entrepreneurs from the West Midlands have been named as finalists in a top national enterprise competition, which this year is to be held in Birmingham.

The national Prowess Awards 2008: ‘changing the face of enterprise’ take a holistic view of women’s enterprise and celebrate individuals and organisations from all walks of life who, in various ways, support the growth in female entrepreneurship.

This year’s event takes place at the Hyatt Regency, Birmingham tomorrow (Friday 6th June) from 11.30am. 

David Hooper, Enterprise Business Development Manager within the Economic Development Directorate at Advantage West Midlands, said: “We are extremely pleased and proud to be supporting these prestigious national awards and welcome the competition and finalists to the region.”
 
Vivean Pomell of Brynels Hats and Accessories in Edgbaston; Ranbir Sahota of Vitis Public Relations in Solihull; Kavita Janagal and Rani Uppelle of Simply Recruitment in Edgbaston; Yasmin Akhtar and Claire Hill of Go-Woman! magazine in Birmingham; Sarah Roberts of WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise), Shropshire; Jane Palmer of Industrial Brushware Limited in Halesowen; and Lisa Shepherd of Lisa Shepherd Salons in Kidderminster have all been named as finalists in this years awards.

Vivean Pomell, Ranbir Sahota and Kavita Janagal and Rani Uppelle are all finalists for the Ethnic Minority Business Woman Award (West Midlands), which is sponsored by the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Expertise, which is supported by Advantage West Midlands.

Kavita and Rani each have over ten years experience in the recruitment industry and decided to branch out on their own in launching Simply Recruitment. In such a short period they have won a number of blue chip contracts and currently have over 150 temporary staff in work.

Ranbir Sahota moved from London to the West Midlands in 2006, looking for flexible employment in the technology PR sector. She couldn’t find any and soon realised there was a big gap in the market with such a growing number of technology companies based in the West Midlands. She decided to launch her own virtual PR company for the technology sector and hasn’t looked back since. Her clients have been extremely impressed with the service provided, one commenting; “Vitis PR is a fantastic business model and just what the industry has been crying out for.” Ranbir has sought out likeminded professional mums and actively recruits women looking for flexible, regular, home based employment.

Vivean Pomell owns Brynels Hats and Accessories, which is a retail outlet supplying bespoke hats and accessories for both formal and informal occasions. Having started the business just over a year ago, Vivean designs cutting-edge products and acts informally as a mentor to several local business women, one of whom says: “Vivean is an inspiration, she always takes time out to find out how I am doing, she provides sound advice and a positive way of thinking.”

Yasmin Akhtar and Claire Hill are finalists for the Press Award.
Yasmin and Claire launched the quarterly magazine Go-Woman! in 2006 to provide inspiration and support for micro to small sized women-owned businesses. The pages are full of inspiring stories and useful information on starting and growing a business. The magazine is presented in an engaging life-style format that makes it easy to read while also conveying plenty of practical information on starting a business. It makes good use of case studies and ensures representation in terms of age, ethnicity and sector.

Sarah Roberts is a finalist for the Business Support Professional Award.
According to testimonials Sarah “Walks the talk”. She is a successful business owner, wife, mother, artist and a committed business support professional. Sarah lead the Opening Doors project, where she had a target of achieving 5 business starts, she achieved 68 in a ‘hard to reach’ rural area.

Jane Palmer is a finalist for the SET Award.
Industrial Brushware and Ibex Geo Tech Ltd manufacture specialist industrial brushes and develop engineered pipeline cleaning systems. Jane’s companies now have over £1m annual turnover and have undertaken contracts for a very wide range of clients, including major car manufacturers, oil and gas companies and NASA. She believes small businesses have a responsibility to foster the talent of their workforce. For the past five years she has sponsored a female student in the Department of Engineering Science at Oxford University.

Lisa Shepherd is a finalist for the Inspirational Woman Award.
Lisa opened her first salon in Kidderminster in 2002 with just three staff and a strong conviction that suburban women could look great and feel wonderful. She now employs 38 staff, welcomes over 2,000 clients a month, has won British Hairdresser of the Year, is the International Colour Ambassador for Schwarzkopf and is the colour guru for Channel 4’s programme ’10 Year’s Younger’.

Erika Watson, Prowess Executive Director, said: “We received over 300 nominations, many of which were of an exceptionally high standard. The individuals who have made it to the final shortlist are at the very top of their game and are to be strongly applauded for their achievement.

“These prestigious awards now in their 4th year are unique in celebrating all those who contribute to the growth of women’s enterprise throughout the UK, including: the inspirational business women who support and motivate others, the business support advisers and mentors who provide exemplary advice and encouragement and the researchers and journalists who support the sector through compelling and progressive ideas.”

Leading women entrepreneurs are supporting the awards. Judges included: Penny Newman of Café Direct, Joy Nicholls, CEO of Nichols Employment Agency and Lynne Franks, Founder of the SEED Women’s Enterprise Network, who said: “The sense of empowerment that is achieved by becoming an entrepreneur is life changing and these awards celebrate all those who are inspiring and supporting women to achieve that goal. Encouraging women to reach their full potential in business and life is an on-going passion of mine.”

The Ethnic Minority Business Woman (national and West Midlands) Awards are both sponsored by the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Excellence, which is supported by Advantage West Midlands.