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11th Women Into the Network winners announced

THE achievements of the region’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs have been announced.

The Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship was picked up by Lilian Mains, chair of North East training business Zodiac Training, which has fast become a national provider of specialist courses and consultancy for employers.

The Durham County Council-sponsored small business category was picked up by Angela Place, founder of hair and beauty business Hair X Tensions.

Judges cited the impressive way in which she has quickly grown her online firm and her vision for the future - which involves building an international presence and creating jobs - as key to her award victory.

The Best New Business category was won by Jo Foster, who runs Northumberland-based flowers, chocolate and wine business Dillies.

Other winners included Deloris Martin of Sunderland Dance, who won the social enterprise category, Joanne Feeley of Trend Bible, who was named Best Creative Business and Alison Taylor of Food Local Food, who was recognised for her use of technology to develop her business.

WIN chair Nickie Gott, who also runs events management company She’s Gott It!, said: “The standard of entry this year was extremely high and of course, there were many difficult decisions to make in selecting the winners.

“I would like to congratulate all of the shortlisted companies for showing incredible determination, leadership ability and entrepreneurship in these difficult economic times.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .