McDonald's, ABode and Firmdale Hotels named in Shine Business Awards shortlist

The coveted business awards showcase not only those companies that have performed well, but how diversity has strengthened their organisational performance in one of the most challenging economic years of the decade. The 2011 Shine Awards are designed to recognise female success within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism (HLTT) industry. Women 1st received over 250 nominations which will also be complemented by the inaugural publication of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in the industry. The winners will be revealed on Thursday March 31 at the Savoy Hotel, London at an event hosted by broadcaster Gaby Roslin. Tickets are available at: http://www.people1st.co.uk/top100. Small Business of the Year ABode Group Drake & Morgan Firmdale Hotels Teletext Holidays Large Business of the Year Bourne Leisure McDonald's Merlin Entertainments Group Sodexo Sharon Glancy, founder of Women 1st said: "The companies on our shortlist are those that have performed outstandingly over the past year and have nurtured talent within their diverse teams in order to maximise business potential. Having a diverse management team leads to more balanced decision making and this can provide better understanding of markets. "In fact research has found that companies who have women in senior board level positions perform significantly better so it makes commercial sense to help female staff achieve their career aspirations."