THE second Nottingham Post Women in Business Awards are launched today to celebrate the contribution made by female professionals and entrepreneurs in our community.
After the success of last year's inaugural awards, the Post is continuing to fly the flag for local businesswomen.
We're looking for nominations for female role models, inspirational leaders, budding entrepreneurs and rising stars of the business world.
Award categories include entrepreneur of the year, sole trader, community champion and small business of the year. There's also an award for the best rising star, apprentice of the year, inspirational woman of the year and a lifetime achievement award.
We'll also be naming a businesswoman of the year at the glittering awards ceremony being held at Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club, in Cotgrave on Wednesday, November 19.
The winners will be selected by a panel which will include last year's businesswoman of the year, Sara Harraway, director of Nottingham-based architects CPMG.
She said: "It's fantastic to recognise women in business. Historically, we recognise businesses but women play a huge role in business.
"I'm looking forward to this year's awards and seeing all the nominees.
"I would urge people to nominate women who they think deserve an award."
Shortly after her success last year, Mrs Harraway was invited to speak at an all-female networking group in Nottingham and she's since been asked to speak at the annual conference of women's organisation the Soroptimists.
Her firm CPMG is also experiencing growth this year.
"The award set the tone for the rest of the year for me," she added.
"It was a bit of a surprise. You just do your job, grow, evolve and take on challenges.
"It's only when someone recognises it that you take a look and realise what you've achieved."
Over the next month we will celebrate the contribution of businesswomen and professionals in articles about nominees on our business pages.
Nottingham Post editor Mike Sassi said: "The awards are a great opportunity to showcase the work of businesswomen and highlight the contribution made by Nottingham's female entrepreneurs and professionals. Last year's awards were a huge success, attracting more than 100 nominations.
"We're looking forward to celebrating the outstanding contribution made by businesswomen in Nottingham once again this year."
Nominations can be made here: Entries should include 200 words about the nominee and their business. Nominations can also sent via email or through the post. Email nominations to gemma.toulson@nottinghampost.com or write to Gemma Toulson, Business Reporter, Nottingham Post, 3rd Floor, City Gate, Tollhouse Hill, Nottingham, NG1 5FS. Categories: Entrepreneur of the Year: This award will go to a woman who has demonstrated that she is building a business of outstanding potential. Sole Trader of the Year: This will honour the businesswomen who solely own and run their companies. Innovation Award: This award will recognise women who are making an innovative contribution to the business community by providing bespoke and innovative products and services. Community Champion: Businesswomen who go above and beyond to champion their community or support charitable organisations will be honoured in this category. Rising Star: We want to hear about up-and-coming career professionals, including women who own or run businesses or high flyers of the business world. Apprentice of the Year: This will be awarded to a strong example of an apprentice who is performing well on a training scheme and setting a strong example for others. New Business/Business Launch: Women who have recently started their own business can be put forward for this award, which celebrates growth and the achievements of female business owners. Small Business of the Year: This category will highlight the best female small business owners in Nottingham and celebrate growth and the achievements of women to drive their business forward. Inspirational Woman of the Year: Women who inspire and motivate others, or those who have overcome exceptional circumstances, should be put forward for this award. Lifetime achievement Award: No nominations are required for this category as the winner of this award will be put forward by the judging panel. Businesswoman of the Year: The winner of this award will be selected from the winners of the nine other award categories.