14th Feb 2011 - 00:00
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With over 200 entries so far and less than a week to go until nominations close, award winning chef Angela Hartnett, CH&Co founder Robyn Jones and British Hospitality Association’s chief executive, Ufi Ibrahim are amongst some of the nominees for the inaugural Women 1st Top 100 Most Influential Women listing and the 2011 Shine Awards.
The first of its kind in an industry where women have struggled to reach positions of seniority, the Top 100 is designed to celebrate the very best in female achievement in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sectors (HLTT). Nominations can be made at www.people1st.co.uk/top100 and the deadline for submissions is 18th February. The newly refurbished Savoy Hotel will host the awards ceremony and the unveiling of the Top 100 on Thursday March 31st. The event will be presented by Gaby Roslin. Robyn Jones OBE, co-founder and chief executive of CH&Co said: "To be nominated for the Top 100 is an honour in itself. There are so many strong women within the industry today and it is great to have an opportunity to reward and acknowledge their input. I truly believe that men and women bring different things to the table and that the female perspective has proved invaluable in many organisations throughout the industry. The Top 100 offers an opportunity for many women to shine so I feel that I am in good company." Natalie Bickford, Sodexo's UK and Ireland HR director and chair of Women 1st said: "David Cameron has acknowledged the vital role the hospitality and tourism industry will play in driving the country's economy forward. It is paramount that we as an industry develop and retain the best talent – whether male or female. Showcasing women who have worked hard to achieve their career aspirations in our amazing industry will hopefully inspire countless others to emulate that success."