The UK’s largest independent membership network for women in business, everywoman, is inviting entries for the 2012 Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards. 

Now in their fifth year, these awards recognise the achievements of women in the retail sector, with categories including "Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Woman of the Year". Keep reading for details of last year's winners in these categories.

By highlighting inspirational female role models who are excelling, the awards aim to demonstrate to other talented individuals the exceptional opportunities offered by a career in retail.

Research released in January 2012 by the Professional Boards Forum found that the number of women directors in British boardrooms has reached its highest ever level (14.9%), which demonstrates that the tide is turning for women at the highest levels. The retail sector in particular offers the chance for swift career progression by demonstrating hard work and initiative. 29% of all recent graduates working in management roles are working in retail* attracted by the variety, flexibility and excellent training schemes. The Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards celebrate the success of the sector’s female leaders and seek to encourage a pipeline of future talent into the industry. *Skillsmart 2011

Maxine Benson, Co-founder of everywoman comments, “Retail is an attractive sector offering flexibility and the opportunity to learn transferable skills. Given that women are estimated to be responsible for around 70% of household purchasing decisions* clearly it is essential that the management of retail companies reflects the demographic of their customer base.

The economic climate means retailers need to think intelligently to remain competitive. Those companies that nurture and progress their female talent will be those most likely to reap success."

* Women on Boards report, October 2011

Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers says, “There are some excellent opportunities for women in the retail industry.  Although there are not as many women in senior positions as there should be, there are many good prospects.  At Specsavers, many of our stores are owned by female opticians who recognise the importance of excellent customer service and high retail standards.”

The finalists for last year's Entrepreneur of the Year Award were:

• Georgina Cooper, Company Director and Founder of PretaPortobello Ltd from London
• Harriet Kelsall, Managing Director of Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design from Cambridge and North Hertfordshire
• Ann-Maree Morrison, Director of Labels4Kids Limited from Stirling

The winner of the award was Anne-Maree Morrison. Originally trained as a Chartered Accountant, Ann-Maree Morrison worked for a variety of companies including Disney and Kodak before changing direction and launching her own company in 2005. Like many great business ideas, this one was born from personal need when Ann-Maree, the mother of 3 young boys, grew tired of her boys coming home from school with other children’s clothes. Label4Kids produces vinyl waterproof labels for children’s school clothing and general items. The judges were impressed with how Ann-Maree has created a dedicated following of supporters from  across the globe through an active social-media strategy and online forum for parents and families.

Harriet Kelsall, Managing Director of Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design 4and also a finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year category, won the Woman of the Year award.

Widely recognised for her work in revitalising a flagging industry, she invented the aptly-named “Proposal in a Box” – a revolutionary process to allow couples to personally design a bespoke ring whilst having something tangible and romantic at the time of proposal.

The  panel were bowled over by her absolute commitment to staff development, creating a rigorous career structure and bespoke training programmes for her motivated and vibrant team.  Her determined and innovative attitude has been instrumental in driving significant commercial success during an incredibly tough climate. Bringing "bespoke jewellery into the heart of the high street‟, with her award winning store in Cambridge, she now plans to roll-out other branches across the country, whilst running a successful studio and showroom on a working farm in rural Hertfordshire. A committed  champion of British business, she insists on retaining manufacturing within the UK, whilst the majority  of other jewellers have moved their manufacturing operations abroad. She does this and still enjoys steady yearly growth of 18% against a backdrop of static growth amongst many of her competitors. The Woman of the Year Award recognises the woman who is a truly inspirational and visionary individual and the judges felt that Harriet Kelsall was an exceptional role model for the industry. 

The awards are open for entry until 14 May 2012. To submit a nomination, visit www.everywoman.com/retailawards.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at The Savoy on 13 September 2012. 

Categories for Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards:

Star of the Future Award – in a business with a turnover under £200 million, this award will go to the woman aged under 30, whose energy, ambition and generosity of spirit represents the positive future of the retail industry.  She will be the one to watch.

Star of the Future Award – in a business with a turnover over £200 million, this award will go to the woman aged under 30, whose energy, ambition and generosity of spirit represents the positive future of the retail industry.  She will be the one to watch.

Leader of the Year Award - in a business with a turnover under £200 million, this category is open to all female team, department and business leaders working in retail. This category reaches across all job functions and nominees could be team / project leaders, managers, department heads or directors within the business.

Leader of the Year Award - in a business with a turnover over £200 million, this category is open to all female team, department and business leaders working in retail. This category reaches across all job functions and nominees could be team / project leaders, managers, department heads or directors within the business.

Innovator of the Year Award - This award will go to the woman, at any level in the organisation, who has made an innovative contribution that has transformed the business and/or the retail industry.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award - This award will go to the founder/operator of a retail business, with a turnover under £25 million, whose entrepreneurial talent and vision will inspire others to start their own venture.

Online Retailer of the Year Award - This award will go to the woman whose talents and contribution are directly resulting in the success of an online retail business. This category reaches across all job functions.

Champion Award - This award will go to the individual or company that is demonstrating a strong commitment to the advancement of women in their organisation and/or in retail industry

Woman of the Year Award - This award will be selected by the judges from the finalists of our seven categories listed above and will go to one exceptional woman whose vision, innovative approach and success make her an outstanding role model that will inspire more women to choose a career in retail.