14th Mar 2011 - 00:00
Abstract
Women 1st has announced the shortlist for the 2011 Shine Awards, which recognise and celebrate female success within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry.
Over 250 nominations were received for this year's awards, which are complemented by the inaugural publication of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in the industry listing. The winners will be revealed on Thursday March 31 at the Savoy Hotel, London where broadcaster Gaby Roslin will host the evening. The last remaining tickets for the event are available at: http://www.people1st.co.uk/top100. Natalie Bickford, Sodexo's UK and Ireland HR director and chair of Women 1st said: "Our judges were impressed with the outstanding nominations this year and all of those shortlisted are an inspiration to us all. Showcasing females in the industry who have worked hard to achieve their career aspirations will inspire countless others to emulate that success and continue to make a valuable contribution." The shortlist for each category is as follows: Outstanding Entrepreneur: • Jillian MacLean, founder and managing director, Drake & Morgan • Wendy Shand, founder, Tots to Travel • Camellia and Namita Panjabi, co-owners, Masala World • Lou Willcock, founder and director, IndiCater Woman of the Year: • Jill McDonald, chief executive officer, McDonald's UK & president Northern Division • Victoria Sanders, managing director, Teletext Holidays • Jane Sunley, chief executive officer, Learn Purple • Michelle Hanson, commercial director, Sodexo Mentor: • Carrie Wicks, director of operations, Firmdale Hotels PLC • Lou Willcock, founder and director, IndiCater • Jez Langhorn, vice president, people, McDonald's Rising Star: • Xoe Donovan, general manager, The Longford House Beefeater and Cannock South Premier Inn • Anna Baker, senior marketing executive, Bourne Leisure • Wendy Halsall-Bennett, general services manager, Sodexo Lifetime achievement award: • Robyn Jones OBE, founder, CH&Co • Gill Benwell, director, Bourne Leisure • Vivien Sirotkin, operations director, Q Hotels • Maggie Berry, chair, Farm Stay UK (retired 2010) The shortlist for the large and small business of the year awards will be announced separately. Women 1st was founded by sector skills council People 1st to support women facing challenges in meeting their career ambitions within the industry. It offers continuing professional development training, a mentoring programme and networking events. Over 400 women have benefited from the Women 1st programme since its launch in October 2009.