The NextWomen Female Hero and Astia European Advisor Dale Murray has been named 'Angel Investor of the Year' by the British Business Angels Association. (Click here to read a The NextWomen interview with Dale).

Nearly 200 people gathered together in the unique setting of the Museum of London, to celebrate achievement for early stage investors and entrepreneurs at the BBAA National Awards, on Thursday 30 June.

The event, backed by City of London Corporation recognised the importance of angel investing for the growth of innovating small businesses.Tim Campbell, ex Alan Sugar’s Apprentice, Founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, presided over the ceremony with seven awards presented to entrepreneurs and investors across key areas of the market.

The BBAA Awards Winners for 2011 were:

• Angel-VC Investment of the Year: ELONICS – Investors: Scottish Equity Partners with Octopus
• Angel Mobile Investment of the Year: ipadio- Investors: London Business Angels and LBA EIS Fund
• Angel Med Tech-Healthcare Investment of the Year: Fertility Focus – Investors: Envestors & Midven
• Angel Clean Tech Investment of the Year: Syrinix Ltd- Investors: London Business Angels EIS Fund and London Business Angels
• Angel Social Impact Investment of the Year: Panahpur Foundation (James Perry) – Nominated by Charity Bank, Finance South East; Resonance Fund and Fair Finance
• Early Stage Team of the Year: Northstar Ventures
• Angel Investor of the Year: Dale Murray 

Detailed opinion of the jury for Angel Investor of the Year: Dale Murray

The judges felt that Dale represents a new breed of Angel investors; bringing personal experience of building and successfully exiting a start up business and international investment expertise, having personally invested £1m to date in a variety of technology/product sectorsand able to tailor her input to the differing needs of investee companies whilst playing a key ambassadorial role for female Angel investors.

For more information click here.