East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women network is set to recognise another cohort of female leaders as it launches its 2023 awards programme.
Women in business across the Chamber’s membership base in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire can apply for the 10 category awards – which cater for a range of careers from apprentices and employees, to entrepreneurs and long-standing achievement. 
The Enterprising Women Awards, held in association with headline partner Michael Smith Switchgear, were launched today (Thursday 9 March) at an International Women’s Day conference at the Nottingham Belfry, which was attended by more than 80 delegates.
Emily Smith, the managing director of AVW Fabrications and finance and operations director at Michael Smith Switchgear, who was crowned Business Woman of the Year at the 2022 awards, was the keynote speaker.
Coaching experts Sandra Whiles and Amanda Daly also ran informative workshops on leadership and trust, respectively. Generation Next champion Scarlett Tinsley, who is the business and marketing manager at Leicester-based ER Recruitment, spoke about the benefits of both Chamber networks for young female talent. 
Enterprising Women is led by co-chairs Jean Mountain and Eileen Perry MBE DL. Through its networking opportunities and inspirational events, it creates an environment for women in business to connect and grow their knowledge, and equips them with the tools to succeed.
Jean, who co-founded the network in 1997, said: “The Enterprising Women Awards are a fantastic showcase of the strength of female talent we have here in the East Midlands, and we’re delighted to bring the celebration back this year.”
Eileen, who is the managing director at ER Recruitment, added: “We’ve been running our awards programme since 2013, and every year the calibre of talent never fails to impress us. We are looking forward to reading seeing another cohort of what undoubtedly will be fantastic applications this year.”
Enterprising Women Awards 2023 categories
Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)
Female Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
Social Commitment (sponsored by She Inspires)
Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)
Female Employee of the Year (sponsored by Nelsons)
Team of the Year (sponsored by Breedon Consulting)
She Who Innovates (sponsored by Pick Everard)
Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)
Rising Star (sponsored by The Turnaround CEO)
Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Paradigm Wills)
Other supporters of the awards include music sponsors PPL PRS, and video sponsors AVIT Media.
Entries are now open and the deadline is 27 April, with the awards taking place on 6 October at Winstanley House, in Leicester.
To enter, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/enterprising-women/enterprising-women-awards
