FINALISTS in this year's Women in Business NI Awards in November are to have their annual pre-final exclusive retreat at the global headquarters of RBS at Gogarburn in Edinburgh.
Earlier this year the banking giant opened up its HQ to business organisations by transforming its former executive wing into a centre for entrepreneurs and innovation to bring together Scotland’s enterprise ecosystem to share knowledge and expertise and encourage collaboration among businesses.
And at this year's WIBNI retreat, the awards finalists will hear from some of Scotland's leading industry experts and inspirational speakers, who will impart knowledge at bespoke master classes and workshops tailored to address business development, improvement and growth.
Momentum is building for the fifth WIBNI awards, which take place at the Culloden Estate & Spa on Thursday November 19.Entries close at noon on Friday October 2.
“We are delighted to be able to offer finalists of this year’s Awards, more than 30 of them, the opportunity to spend two days at an exclusive overnight retreat in Edinburgh, taking in a world class working environment aimed at fostering innovative and forward-thinking businesses,” said Roseann Kelly, chief executive of Women in Business.
"Finalists can look forward to an overnight stay followed by a full day of mentoring and learning as part of the retreat, which will offer participants an opportunity for business and personal development in the company of like-minded women. It’s a great chance for them to make new business connections, take stock of their achievements and learn from each others successes.”
She added: “As well as networking with their peers, our finalists can expect a number of plenary and seminar sessions, which will be facilitated by the Women in Business chair Kate Marshall.
“And aside from the working element of the retreat, there will also be plenty of opportunity for relaxation, to take in the surroundings and enjoy great food and wine.”
The Women in Business Awards recognise the crème of Northern Ireland’s female business community and celebrates the hard work and achievements of many business women who make a valuable contribution to the economic life here.
“We’ve made the entry process, an online application form, as simple as possible – log on to www.womeninbusinessni.com for more details.
“I would urge anyone who has business successes and achievements to share to get entering. Even if you don’t win an award you may well make the short-list and be invited to the retreat. That would be a coup in itself.”
Award categories include young business woman of the year, best in professional services, equality and diversity, best new start-up, innovation and entrepreneurship, best marketing campaign, outstanding management/leadership, best customer services, best small business, excellence in IT and best exporter.
Sponsors/partners of the Women in Business Awards 2015 include the Irish News, Ulster Bank, Q Radio, Department for Employment & Learning, Equality Commission, JC Decaux, Deloitte, Belfast City Council, John McKee Solicitors and Vistage.
