women in business awards 2013 south wales evening post

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Anna Bastek is the director and co-founder of Swansea-based Wolfestone Translation. She has rapidly established herself as a leading fi gure in the local business community picking up a string of top awards including the 2012 Women in Business Woman of the Year.

Hers is now one of the largest translation companies in Wales and one of the fi ve fastest growing translation companies in the UK. Its client base includes global brands such as Mercedes, NATO and the BBC.

She says she sees awards such as these as providing inspiration to women thinking about giving

entrepreneurship a go.

“These awards are a great opportunity to inspire future leaders in the area,” she adds.

Jill Burgess was the founder of Burgess World Travel. After working for American Express Europe as Area Manager, she bought the business and started Burgess World Travel. Her accolades include Business Woman of The Year, a director with South Wales Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Bank of England Regional Advisory Agency, Governor of Swansea Metropolitan University and Board Member of Swansea Business Improvement District.

Jill is also a Business Mentor with Swansea University Employability Academy.

Ian Price joined the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) as its assistant director in September 2005. He represents the CBI on the Business Procurement Taskforce, the South West Wales Economic Forum, Wales Union Learning Fund Panel and Leading Wales Consortium. Prior to joining the CBI, for 10 years Mr Price was a director with Acorn Recruitment, Wales’s leading independent recruitment company. He was in the Royal Air Force for nine years and served in the Falklands. He also received the South Atlantic Campaign medal.

Matthew Denney is the Senior Tax Manager at PwC Swansea. He

practised as a barrister and is now tax advisor and trusted business advisor to growing and established businesses in South West Wales. Married to Emma of The Wave’s Breakfast show, he has 3 boys under 9 and is a keen cyclist having cycled from Paris to Barcelona raising more than £6,000 in sponsorship for the Maggies cancer charity.

Debra Williams was responsible for building Confused.com, part of the Admiral Group, into the UK’s leading web-based aggregator site. Upon leaving the Admiral Group, she was recruited by Tesco and become the managing director of Tesco Compare sitting on the executive board of the retail giant’s banking arm, helping it build and launch its banking division. She is now looking to launch another price comparison website, which will be revealed later this year.

Chairing the judging panel is Swansea Bay Business Life Editor Wyn Jenkins. Wyn was the fi rst Editor of Wales Business Insider, which was launched in Wales eight years ago, and worked for London publishing company Euromoney Institutional Investor.

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Meet the judges...

Anna Bastek

Matthew Hammond, PwC’s regional chairman for Wales says “Diversity is a key issue for us, which is why we are proud to be supporting the Women in Business Awards for the third year in a row. We recruit a rich diversity of talent every year from schools and universities, which includes some very talented women.

“There are many outstanding businesses in Wales, many of which are owned or have women directors and managers at the heart of their operations and it is important that their contribution to regional growth is recognised and celebrated.

“The diversity of the businesses in Wales is refl ected in the clients we work with, from providing advice to new starts through to providing audit and tax services for large corporates

based here in the region. And we have over 300 people based in Wales with specialist industry and sector knowledge working with them.”

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“In 2009, we launched a new fi rm-wide women’s leadership programme targeted at our high potential female talent. The ultimate aim of the initiative is to increase the number of women partners in our fi rm.”

Wales is a unique and important part of the UK economy and home to many successful businesses. We are committed to playing our part in growing and developing the Welsh economy by working with our clients to help them grow and develop their businesses.

Jill Burgess

Ian Price

Matthew Denney Debra Williams

Wyn Jenkins


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Swansea Bay Business Life and the South Wales Evening Post are proud to launch our Women in Business Awards for the fourth year running. The awards, sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers, look to celebrate the achievements of business women in the area.

Female business

LOTS of us know them, don’t we?Those inspirational women whose achievements and dedication can only but impress.

They come from all walks of business life too. There is the business woman who has succeeded against all the odds, others who have broken through those glass ceilings and those who daily champion what they do and the staff that help them achieve their goals and all of this against a backdrop that can still sometimes be economically challenging.

All though are united by the incredible things they have done.

Whatever their story, they are almost certainly included in our line up of nominees who this Friday will join together for the fourth annual Women in Business Awards being staged at Swansea’s Marriott Hotel.

The aim of the awards run by the South Wales

Evening Post and its sister magazine, Swansea Bay Business Life, is to highlight and reward the achievements of women in business in the region.

Eight winners are to be revealed and honoured in the prestigious ceremony in categories which include Rising Star of the Year; International Achievement Award; Innovation in Business and New Business Start-Up. They will pick up their awards for showing exceptional achievements, innovation and commitment.

The sell-out high-profi le event will also include the naming of the 2013 overall Woman of the Year. All winners will be profi led in future issues of Swansea Bay Business Life and the Evening Post.

Lisa Cameron, commercial director of South West Wales Media, the parent company of Swansea Bay Business Life and the Evening Post, said: “We ran this event for the fi rst time

in 2010 as a fairly intimate occasion. Since then it has continued to grow with close to 200 people getting together this Friday.

“At its heart, the awards demonstrate that despite still challenging economic times, there are many businesses achieving extraordinary things and many of them are either run by women or have female directors or managers at the heart of their structures.

“ Even today, in 2013, a lot of women continue to be humble and quiet about their their own abilities. They can doubt themselves and their ability to achieve, even when they are doing a remarkable job of work, day in, day out.’’

Friday’s key speaker will be Hilary Lappin-Scott, pro-vice chancellor for strategic development and external relations at Swansea University.

The event is being sponsored by: Hutchinson Thomas; Welsh Boxes; University of Wales Trinity Saint David; Handelsbanken; Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon PLC; GCS Training; Parkhouse Recruitment and Select Appointments and Astravia and will be presented by Lisa Cameron, Advertising Director of South West Wales Media and Business Life’s Wyn Jenkins.

2013 WomanThis award will go to one of the winners of the eight categories that make up the 2013 competition. Last year the title went to Wolfestone Translation co-founder Anna Bastek.For 2013, our judges have found a winner with real zeal who is at the forefront of all she does, day in, day out and whose professionalism and winning attitude shows just what can be achieved.

Lisa Cameron, commercial director of South West Wales Media, the parent company of Swansea Bay Business Life and the Evening Post, said: “We ran this event for the fi rst time

“ Even today, in 2013, a lot of women continue to be humble and quiet about their their own abilities. They can doubt themselves and their ability to achieve, even when they are doing a remarkable job of work, day in, day out.’’

PLC; GCS Training; Parkhouse Recruitment and Select Appointments and Astravia and will be presented by Lisa Cameron, Advertising Director of South West Wales Media and Business Life’s Wyn Jenkins.

2013 WomanThis award will go to one of the winners of the eight categories that make up the of the eight categories that make up the 2013 competition. Last year the title went to

For 2013, our judges have found a winner with real zeal who is at the forefront of all she does, day in, day out and whose professionalism and winning attitude shows

of the Year...

“ The business world would be foolish to ignore the large pool of talented women we have here. The way these awards have grown show that if nothing else, the tidal wave is here.” - Lisa Cameron, Advertising Director of South West Wales Media.

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Amy Seppman of JCP Solicitors has been nominated in the Rising Star category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.

Amy, who is a Partner and Marketing Director at the legal fi rm, is a Chartered Marketer who has completed the Chartered Institute of Marketing Certifi cate, Professional Diploma, and the Postgraduate Diploma, achieving Associate Member then Member of the CIM.

Amy’s role at JCP is very diverse; along with strategic planning and development for the business, it ranges from business development activity for both commercial and private clients, to large and small scale event organisation. Amy’s attention to detail means that she enjoys project management and plays an active PR

and communications role.

With the assistance of a full time marketing assistant, Amy plans and overseas all company marketing. Her understanding of the online marketplace, including search, pay per click and social media, allows Amy to drive forward the company’s many websites and social media strategies.

Amy, Partner and Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors said: “It is a great honour to be nominated in the Rising Star category. Since joining JCP Solicitors in 2003, my role within the company has evolved alongside the company’s growth and I am delighted that this was recognised by the judges during the shortlisting process.”

Rhian Hullin, of Waters Creative, has been nominated in the Rising Star category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.

Rhian started working for the company in 2004 after graduating in graphic design from Swansea Metropolitan University.

The keen designer constantly pushes creative boundaries and in 2006 was asked to become a director of the business.

She said: “I was in complete shock, and knew I had so much to learn. But with strong determination and a willingness to learn, I gained experience and knowledge by learning from others, grasping the opportunity with both hands and bringing a fresh, new approach to the business.”

Since then she has worked alongside the team to help develop and grow the design and marketing agency.

Thanks to the team’s dedication the business has recently opened a satellite offi ce in Reading which is proving to be a success, according to Rhian.

Waters Creative has built its reputation on visionary ideas, exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, personal service and a ‘Can Do’ attitude, she added.

It applies visual impact to market-driven business concepts, delivering solutions that create effect, communicate your message and drive results.

On her nomination Rhian added: “I was completely shocked by my nomination. I love what I do, and it’s great to be recognised for my hard work and determination. There are so many great young people out there doing amazing things, and it’s great to be seen as a contender for this award.”

Jessica Rice, director of JR Events, has been nominated in the Rising Star category of this year’s Women in Business Awards.Jessica, whose company is based in Llanelli, travelled the length and breadth of the UK as a sales and marketing manager before starting the business four years ago.Before starting the business she worked her way through the ranks at a global security fi rm, starting as a sales representative, and, after fi ve promotions ended up as the sales and marketing manager for the region.Having always enjoyed the event organising and marketing aspect of her role, Jessica decided to plunge herself, and her savings into her new business JR Events.The company, which now occupies a three-storey premises in Llanelli, is an events based company which splits its time between organising some of Wales’ biggest events and offering a huge array of event supplies and services.She added: ‘’Under the JR Events umbrella we have the exhibition business which hosts large scale events such as awards ceremonies and lifestyle shows at venues such as The Millennium Stadium, the CIA Cardiff, The Brangwyn hall in Swansea and many more.The company boasts footfalls ranging from between 2,000 and 8,000 people per event.Underneath the same umbrella she also runs JR Catering which employs full time chefs catering for packages for weddings, private parties and corporate events.The most recent addition to the JR brand is JR Celebrations, which now includes a newly opened retail outlet in Llanelli which sells party and wedding supplies.

Rising star year...This award will go to a woman who has been promoted or fast tracked within the company in which she is employed or who, in her capacity as owner or CEO, has been directly responsible for their company’s exceptional growth, success and profi tability in the past 12 months.

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2013 Award Nominees...

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Tel: 01639 645061Fax: 01639646792E-mail: [email protected]:www.hutchinsonthomas.com

Amy Seppman

Rhian Hullin

Jessica Rice

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Karen John has been nominated in the Go Green Environmental category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.Karen established Glass Tech Recycling at the end of 2010. The business then started trading in 2011 as a specialist glass recycling company servicing the needs of South Wales.

Glass Tech recycles fl at glass (windows) and container glass (bottles and jars).The company has enjoyed early success with fi nancial results for the second year of trading resulting in a £200,000 profi t.Karen says that the business is ahead of targets and will be exporting glass to mainland Europe for the fi rst time in October.It is currently planning to relocate the site closer to Swansea next year, increasing the workforce and processing more waste streams.

Having worked in the NHS for several years in her role as a pharmacy advisor to GP practices, Debbie would often see the need for improvement in their cleanliness .To capitalize on this opportunity and with a vision to establishing a commercial cleaning company with a fi rm eye on the environment, she launched Tender Loving Care often cleaning the surgery herself while working more than 50 hours a week combined with a full time job. Today it employs 20 local people including a manager and two supervisors.However Debbie still trains all her l staff herself so o that they understand and work to the standards she set from day one.

She is committed to ensuring that all the products Tender Loving Care uses are environmentally friendly and constantly takes steps to assure high levels of sustainability throughout the business and those of our suppliers. She has consistently delivered on this vision with a number of targets and objectives in place within the company’s environment and sustainability policyTender Loving Cleaning we are committed to ensuring that all the products we use are environmentally friendly and we are constantly taking steps to assure high levels of sustainability throughout our business and those of our suppliers.

This award will go to a woman who has shown leadership in terms of infl uencing her company to embrace higher environmental standards, or to any company involved in environmental activities such as energy saving technology with a woman at its heart either in terms of ownership, directorships or executive control...


Karen John

Award sponsored byGoGreen environmentalaward

She says: “I feel privileged to have been nominated for this award and to be part of the South Wales Evening Post Women in Business awards. To be recognized for the hard work and my dedication to the business and how, as a company, we have adapted to becoming more environmentally friendly, with the company evolving into a market leader offering sustainability products to our clients.”

Karen says: “It is an honour to be nominated for this award, especially since I work in a male dominated industry. It is nice to gain the recognition for the hard work and our achievements. It’s also nice to put a frock and wear a pair of heels!”

Debbie Buss


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Victoria Jeffries, of AstraVia Recruitment, has been nominated in the New Business/ Start Up category of this year’s Women in Business Awards.

Victoria and her business partner Andrew Brewer founded AstraVia in August 2012.

They started the Gowerton-based company after years of experience gained working in multinational and smaller recruitment consultancies.

Victoria said: “We listened over the years to what clients really wanted in a recruitment partner, what frustrated them and what they thought was effective.

“We make it our business to know what is happening in the local economy and how local and national issues affect our part of the world,

we are constantly gaining knowledge to share with our clients.”

AstraVia predominantly works in the Build Environment, Engineering, Manufacturing and Professional services.

It works with both local and national businesses that are experiencing substantial growth.

In its fi rst year in business it doubled the size of its workforce, worked with several Bluechip clients and launched a second branch in the Midlands.

Victoria said: “To be nominated in the New/ Start up category in the Women in Business Awards is a complete thrill and I’m delighted to be in such inspiring company.

“It’s wonderful to see so many local businesses and the women that run them and work within them doing so well.”

Cat Maclachlan has been nominated for the New Business/ Start Up category of this year’s Women in Business Awards.Cat was born and raised in Salisbury, Wiltshire before completing BSc Psychology at Exeter University. After graduating in 2011, she moved to Wales with her partner. She was then inspired to propose the business idea for Rowanvale Books to Sarah Scotcher after seeing fi rst-hand the problems that her father faced when trying to publish as a fi rst-time, unknown author.The aim of the business is to provide assisted self-publishing services to authors across the

globe, whilst delivering a personal, honest and effi cient service.This allows authors to see their work published, remaining in control of the process and retaining their creativity, so that their vision can become a reality. Cat oversees the production side of the business; her strengths lie in sales and marketing and, with two successful brothers, she has high ambitions for the future. Cat Maclachlan will shortly become Cat Charlton, with her wedding taking place in the Orangery in Margam Park at the end of October this year.

Sarah Scotcher has been nominated for the New Business/ Start Up category of this year’s Women in Business Awards.Sarah grew up in Braunton, North Devon and stayed in South Wales after graduating from Cardiff University with BA (Hons) English Literature and History in 2011. The businesswoman feels that literature is an important part of both society and culture and

believes that, to ensure a fl ow of high quality and varied literature, authors simply must have a fairer deal to see their work published. As a life-long avid reader of a variety of genres, Sarah recognises the relevance of reading in children developing a good standard of literacy.Sarah oversees the editorial branch of Rowanvale Books, providing impartial and no-obligation feedback to authors and co-ordinating the

proofreading and editing stages. With a sharp eye for detail and a perfectionist nature, she is determined to ensure authors receive a good quality product and service.The aim of the business is to provide assisted self-publishing services to authors across the globe, whilst delivering a personal, honest and effi cient service.This allows authors to see their work published, remaining in control of the process and retaining their creativity, so that their vision can become a reality.

Jigsaw Creative Solutions Ltd was formed in July 2012 when Director Nicola John decided to create her vision and offer clients a truly unique and focussed solution in perfectly matching integrated marketing solutions with brand objectives. Since its inception Jigsaw has grown rapidly and boasts a client portfolio of SME’s and blue chip companies along the M4 corridor. Nicola believes this is due to the passion the company demonstrate in their work and in supporting their clients irrespective of size or budget in the delivering the most creative and pro-active solutions for promotional gifts and branded collateral entirely focussed on the clients specifi c goals and target audience.In line with it’s growth the company is shortly due to relocate to larger offi ce premises and is recruiting a further two new members to their team who will help with achieving the objectives set to further grow the company over the next 12 months.“I feel extremely proud and humbled to have been nominated for the South Wales Evening Post Women in Business Awards as to receive recognition for doing a job with you love is a privilege and to be shortlisted alongside my peers, to whom I look up to, is extremely humbling”

New business year...This award is open to all businesses that have started trading in the past 12 months in the Swansea Bay region and which have a woman at their heart either in terms of ownership, directorships or executive control.

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Victoria Jeffries

Cat Maclachlan

Nicola John

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Housing association CEO Anne Hinchey has been nominated in the Business Mentor category of the 2013 Women in Business Awards.

Anne, from Bridgend, has worked in the housing sector since 1985 and has gained extensive experience in the provision, maintenance and management of housing in the voluntary, local authority and housing association sectors.

She joined Wales & West Housing in 1999 and became Chief Executive of the Association in May 2006. She has overall responsibility for all the activities of WWH, which is one of the largest housing associations in Wales. A charitable, non-profi t making organisation WWH manages over 9,000 properties throughout Wales and provides homes to over 17,000 people.

Earlier this year Anne was named the Most People Focused CEO of the Year (Public and Not for Profi t) by the HR Excellence Awards, and, she was also named one of the 20 most infl uential women in Wales by a national newspaper. Anne said: “I am really pleased to be nominated for this award. Mentoring is a key part of the learning process and I feel strongly that we should encourage others on their journey whenever we can. I am happy to be able to provide support to others in this way.”

Business advisor Laura Nicholas has been nominated for the Business Mentor category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.Laura has worked as a Business Advisor on the Welsh Government SME programme for almost four years. Prior to this she set up, run and subsequently sold a multi-million pound turnover business. As a result Laura believes she “is able to empathise with her clients” as she says she “truly understands what it is like to live, sleep, eat, and breathe your business”.She added: “I have a no-nonsense approach. I

fi rmly believe that some uncomfortable questions need to be asked if a business is to reach its true potential. I support my clients to fi nd the answers and give them the tools to make their business thrive.”Laura offers support in strategy, marketing, fi nance, HR related issues, and general business adviceBusiness Wales is fully funded by WG and the ESF and supports SME’s within Wales. On her nomination Laura said: “It is a true honour to be nominated by my clients for this award. Having both received and delivered business support I truly understand the impact ‘fresh eyes’ can have on a business and thoroughly enjoy seeing my client fl ourish.”

Jackie Balboni has been nominated in the Business Mentor category in the Awards.Ms Balboni set up her business Rocky PR more than four years ago with a view to offering affordable and effective marketing support to SME’s across South West Wales.

Her career spans more than 30 years in PR and marketing in both agency and in-house roles.She decided to undertake the business as she felt she was ideally placed to offer support and guidance to start up and small business owners who couldn’t afford to employ an expensive agency or marketing professionals.Through her business she works with clients, guiding them through the most cost effective and effi cient marketing options available.As her reputation as a marketing mentor has grown, she has been invited by a number of organisations to provide mentoring support and guidance to students. Over the last three years she has been a mentor for the South Wales schools ‘Young Dragons’ annual business competition. She is also involved with Bishop Gore School on the careers academy advisory board.She also runs several workshops and presentations at the school for a mixed age range, and earlier this summer was one of the judges on a year 7 panel involving the development and app to promote tourism in Swansea. She added: “Furthermore, under the Welsh Government’s Youth Entrepreneurship Services I have recently been approached to act as a mentor under the Big Idea Wales initiative.”

Business mentor year...This award will go to a woman whose company has supported entrepreneurs, businesses and business creation, or who, in her capacity as owner or CEO has mentored businesses and individuals within the company in which she is employed.

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Anne Hinchey

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“It is a true honour to be nominated by my clients for this award. Having both received and delivered business support I truly understand the impact ‘fresh eyes’ can have on a business and thoroughly enjoy seeing my clients fl ourish.”

- Laura Nicholas


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Fitness professional Tara Hammett has been nominated in the Lifestyle Fitness category of this year’s Women in Business Awards.Tara has been helping to inspire and motivate the people of Swansea for more than 10 years. She has been the manager of the Dragon Health Club since 2000 in addition to doing personal training and sports massage therapy.Last year she decided to take her business online and to build a program which would help her inspire even more people. TARAnsformation was born.However, what was created as a program she would do every few months soon became a monthly program that was picking up speed. In November 2012 she teamed up with Admiral Insurance and their Ministry Of Health following the introduction of a health and fi tness intranet page. After a tour of all the Admiral and Confused.com sites The Admiral

TARAnsformation Corporate 21 day program was launched across South Wales.2013 saw more TARAnsformation developments with online clients joining from around the world.This summer she has been working with the BBC on a TV show helping to get the DVLA workforce living healthier, more active lifestyles. She said: “To be able to turn a passion into a career is extremely rewarding and my role in transforming people’s lives is not only important but is the most incredible feeling ever.

Beauty specialist Donnalee Alford has been nominated in the Lifestyle Business category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.Her successful laser and beauty clinic 1192 is based at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.Donnalee began her career 15 years ago from home. She later moved to her fi rst premises, where she took on three members of staff.After the business expanded further four years ago, 1192 moved into the Liberty Stadium where customer demand has led to the tripling of staffi ng levels.Alongside beauty treatments, the business provides a registered laser clinic. It specialises in active acne, acne scarring, facial thread veins, permanent hair reduction, tattoo removal and skin pigmentation.On her nomination Donnalee said: “It means the world to me to be nominated for this award. I am amazed and astonished that I am here today. Until this point I have never considered myself a business woman, just a woman running a business.“I would like to thank everybody that nominated me and to my loyal clients, and giving me the chance to have a Friday afternoon off work.”

Designer Helen Rhiannon Gill has been nominated in the Lifestyle Business category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.Helen studied Fashion Design at the University of Westminster in London where she gained a B.A.(Hons.) in Fashion Design. During this time Helen was Highly Commended by The British Fashion Council in 2003. She returned home to Swansea the same year, having gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience.She went on to offi cially launch the Helen Rhiannon Label in 2005. In June 2007, Helen won Swansea Bay Young

Achiever Award in Business and was also a fi nalist in the Young Entrepreneur category in Swansea Bay Woman of the Year 2007. In 2008, Helen was awarded Young Home Business Owner of the Year by Enterprise Nation.Since setting up the label in 2005, Helen has been involved in and organised a whole host of fashion shows and charity fundraisers, raising £12,000.Helen is also a fully qualifi ed teacher and lecturer which led her to set up the All Sewn Up Sewing Workshops in 2010, which help people learn new skills or develop existing skills.She launched Helen Rhiannon Bridal in 2010, a label which now offers a range of bespoke services for weddings, proms, pageants and special occasions.Helen said: “It is really exciting to be nominated. I have been in business for eight years and for the fi rst time it feels like things are really starting to come together and all my hard work is paying off.”

Lifestyle Business AwardThis award will go to a woman whose business has enhanced the lifestyle of residents, or who, through their capacity as Director or CEO has personally worked to improve services and activities to enrich the lives of local people.


Tara Hammett

Donnalee Alford

Award sponsored by

Helen Rhiannon Gill

“To be shortlisted amongst such incredible business women is an absolute honour and I am genuinely overwhelmed at receiving this nomination.”

- Tara Hammett

“I never dread going into work, I really love what I do.”

- Helen Rhiannon Gill

Kazi Quinton, who runs Ffos Farm Foods, has been nominated in the Innovation In Business category.Ms Quinton, who is from the Rhondda, travelled the world before returning to the UK and eventually setting up her own business.Over the years she has worked in Los Angeles, New York and Hawaii teaching the children of business people and travelling across the world.On her return to the UK she lived in London for

15 years and took up a number of prestigious appointments within the Essex Police and Justice system.Among her high profi le roles was her appointment as the fi rst civilian major crime investigation offi cer in Essex Police she has also carried out work for the Home Offi ce.She currently lives in Bristol but her business, Ffos Farm Foods is based in Bridgend.It has a long and reputable heritage in the preparation, packaging and supply of fresh farm produce to the independent retail and catering sector in Wales and the UK. It prides itself on offering high quality home-grown and locally sourced produce at highly competitive prices.Kazi said: “Naturally I feel a great honour at being nominated. There are many deserving hard working women in South Wales who run families and businesses and to be nominated alongside them is humbling.”

Young entrepreneur Rachael Flanagan has been nominated in the Innovation In Business category for this year’s Women In Business Awards.Rachael, from Pontarddulais, has received recognition for her highly successful company Mrs Bucket.The company was set up in 2005 by Rachael with little more than a Hoover, a pair of marigolds and £20-worth of fl yers.Now Mrs Bucket is a full-service fi rm with offi ces in Swansea and Cardiff employing around 145 people and boasting more than 250 domestic and commercial clients.Thanks to Rachael’s determination, Mrs Bucket has doubled its turnover in the last year

following expansion along the M4 corridor.The company has grown by 114% during the past 12 months with turnover now reaching £1.2 million.Along the way Rachael has picked up a string of awards in recognition of her hard work.She was named Rising Star of the Year at the 2011 South Wales Evening Post and Swansea Bay Business Life Women in Business Awards and Young Achiever of the Year in the IWA Western Mail Awards.

Marketing expert Natalie Reynolds has been nominated in the Innovation in Business category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.Natalie formed That Useful Company back in 2012 bringing a group of marketing

Professionals together as a formal cooperative.This allowed them to work on marketing projects and contracts under the umbrella company whilst remaining a specialist in their own fi eld.Natalie has been self employed as a social media specialist for nearly three years and is the co-founder of That Useful Company. It was Natalie’s idea to initiate the formal collaborative and work alongside each person in the co-operative to offer support.Since the offi cial launch in 2012, the co-op has expanded resulting in two offi ce moves, and the creation of jobs.The team has also won a number of marketing contracts where businesses get the benefi t of working with specialists across a number of services such as web design, graphic design, marketing, and consultancy. On her nomination she said: “It has meant a lot to be nominated for this award as it demonstrates that people are starting to recognise the benefi ts of collaborative working. I’m hoping that even more people will start thinking of working in a similar way as I believe it will help support micro businesses in the Welsh economy.”

InnovationawardbusinessinInnovation


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This award will go to a woman who has been central to introducing innovative practices to a business that have either helped it grom or diversify through tough economic times or to any company with a strong track record in innovation in terms of product/offering or strategy with a woman at its heart either in terms of ownership, directorship or executive control.


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Kazi Quinton

Rachael Flanagan

Natalie Reynolds

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Fashion, bridal, and evening wear designer Stephanie Allin has been nominated in the International Achievement category of this year’s Women in Business Awards.After studying at Ravensbourne School of Art, Stephanie became interested in theatre , drama and the traditional dress making skills used in costume design. Upon graduating Stephanie remained in London to work for a variety of designers before returning home to South West Wales with her young family to start her business.

She has now been making couture dresses for over 20 years and works with more than 40 stockists in the UK and across the world.Her wealth of experience is encapsulated in every one of her dresses, handmade in her own workrooms.Stephanie has two shops of her own, the fl agship store in London’s fashionable Marylebone and her original boutique and workrooms in Mumbles. 2012 saw the launch of Stephanie’s much anticipated evening wear collection. Having made one-off couture gowns for many celebrities over the years, Stephanie’s evening wear dresses are in high demand. She said: “My style is all about great structure and fi t and designing dresses with a freedom that encompasses fashion and the bride’s individuality.”

Goose Island founder Karen Hutchins has been nominated in the International Achievement category of this year’s Women in Business Awards.Karen, from Mumbles, set up the store in 1994 and has been exporting her clothing across the world for the past 20 years.Her products are sold across Italy, South East Asia, and India. They also have a presence and showroom in Paris and supply to many shops across France.Karen decided to set up the business after taking time out from her role as a fi nancial consultant. After travelling to Bali she started to source products and manufacturers and began putting together a clothing collection.Since then she hasn’t looked back.Her export sales across the world now account for 50% of the sales of the business and she owns successful shops across Wales.She is also currently contributing to a book about successful businesswomen in Wales.On her nomination she said: “I am thrilled. This came totally out of the blue. I am really pleased to be recognised. It is an honour.”

Anne Carter has been nominated in the International Achievement category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.Her company RAP International Limited was established in 1994 and Anne became a full time Director in 2007.Her role has been to lead both the fi nancial management and general commercial strategy of the Company, which develops and implements specialist, knowledge-based risk assessment software for high hazard operations mostly in the oil, gas and chemicals sector. Its major product is an electronic Permit to Work system for use where maintenance activities are required on client sites. Over fi ve million such permits have been issued since 1995 as its product has proved itself under tough conditions.When Anne fi rst started in her role the product was in use in 15 countries and 13 languages.It has now been implemented at more than 150 locations in 29 countries and in 24 languages.Anne said: “I feel that it is a reward for what the company as a whole has achieved and I am incredibly proud of that. “And of course it is personally very satisfying that my contribution to that success has been recognised.”


Advertising Feature

This award will go to a woman who has achieved successes in expanding the scope of her business into overseas markets through import/export growth and/or by growing a client base overseas or any company with a strong track record in terms of import/export with a woman at its heart either in terms of ownership, directorships or executive control.


Stephanie Allin

Karen Hutchings

Anne Carter

“I am thrilled. This came totally out of the blue. I am really pleased to be recognised. It is an honour.”

- Karen Hutchings

Award sponsored byInternational achievementaward

Hayley Davies, a Partner and Chief Executive Offi cer at JCP Solicitors, has been nominated for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

As a member of the Partnership Council and senior management team Hayley has primary authority and decision making responsibility on operational and strategic issues including fi nance, IT, staff and compliance.

In addition to her role at JCP Solicitors, Hayley is an Executive Committee member of Swansea Business Club, and Chair of Swansea Business Club Marketing Committee.

She has developed her role at JCP since joining as an evening typist in November 1990. Her recent appointment to full equity partnership is believed to be one of the fi rst female non-lawyer equity partner appointments at an indigenous Welsh law fi rm.

Due to Hayley’s role development, vision for the business and implemented strategies, she recently won the prestigious IWA Inspire Wales Business Leader Award 2013.

She obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Nottingham Trent University in November 2004 and is a member of the association of Accounting Technicians, The institute of Legal Cashiers and The Law Management section of the Law Society.

Hayley Davies, Partner and Chief Executive Offi cer at JCP Solicitors said: “I am delighted to have been recognised in the category of Lifetime Achiever. I am up against some extremely talented and dynamic women. I am very pleased to have been shortlisted alongside such outstanding individuals.”

Amanda Vaughan, who has worked at Swansea’s Madame Foner for more than 30 years, has been nominated for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms Vaughan, who is Swansea born and bred, started working for the business when she was just 16.

Now 34 years later she is still advising customers on a daily basis and helping to run the well-respected business.

Madame Foner, based in the city’s Shoppers Walk, has been providing elegant corsets, beautifully crafted lingerie, and shapewear since opening its doors in 1901.

Since then it has built up an impressive reputation and a loyal female following thanks to its insistence on quality, style, and expert craftsmanship.

Ms Vaughan said: “It is a pleasure to be nominated for this award. It is simply lovely and wonderful.

Radio station director Helen Bowden has been nominated in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Helen started in radio over 20 years ago working in radio in her spare time.

She started as a breakfast show presenter and worked for organisations such as Chrysalis, GWR Media and EMAP before moving to UTV Media GB.

Helen , who is now a mother-of-two, worked her way up to programme manager, looking after the editorial side of the business and was then appointed Station Director.

She continued this role in Blackpool for three years before being promoted to The Wave and Swansea Sound.

Her duties include running the two successful stations and the staff that work there as they play a part in the business community of the Swansea Bay region.

Experienced businesswoman Jane Clayton has been nominated in the Lifetime Achievement category of this year’s Women In Business Awards.

Jane came to Swansea in 1974 to train as a Chartered Accountant in Deloitte Haskins & Sells qualifying in 1978 and working with small and medium size businesses and trusts.

In the early 1980s she took an academic post in the Management Science department at Swansea University and lectured in accounting.

Over the years she has also maintained a tax practice for private clients and held a number of directorships. In 1990 she was appointed to the board of Swansea Building Society and served for 15 years - the last fi ve as chairman.

She retired from SBS in 2005 and was appointed a non-executive director of Finance Wales delivering investment funds to start-up and growing businesses.

She was also appointed the fi rst lady president of the South Wales Society of Chartered Accountants and hosted a major business event in Swansea.

Jane said: “It brings a warm glow of pleasure that someone thinks that much of you that they would put you forward for such an award. I still haven’t found out who did, so I feel a little embarrassed about that. I have found in much of my business life that, in general, support and encouragement of others to fulfi l their potential has given me as much pleasure as any success of my own.”


Advertising Feature

This award recognizes women who have been in business for 10 or more years . It is open to the women who make up the fabric of our local economy through running what are often smaller lifestyle businesses. These represent the bedrock of local business networks and what South West Wales has to offer as a destination. These women often juggle family and business commitments yet many go onto become stable employers, run multiple premises while also training staff and nurturing a local customer base in the process.


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Hayley Davies

Amanda Vaughan

Jane Clayton

Lifetime achievement award Award sponsored by

Helen Bowden

Helen said: “I am truly honoured to be nominated. It is also great to be nominated by something associated with SWW Media as this shows how much relations have grown over the past year.”

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© 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. In this document, “PwC” refers to the UK member fi rm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member fi rm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

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