The search for the most talented and successful local businesswomen gets underway next week with the launch of the  Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce’s Enterprising Women Excellence Awards.

The annual awards will be split into six categories and aim to recognise inspirational and hard working women from across the counties. There are many women in business from a variety of backgrounds, who juggle family life with and successful careers and the awards are aimed at celebrating their achievements.

This year’s award categories are:

• Inspirational Woman of the Year, sponsored by Coutts
• Enterprising Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by University of Derby Corporate
• The Community Champion Award, sponsored by Westfield Health
• Breakthrough Business of the Year, sponsored by The Money Shop
• The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Rothera Dowson
• Team of the Year, sponsored by The Money Shop

The awards will be launched at a special Enterprising Women lunch at the Belfry Hotel in Nottingham at 12noon on Thursday 23 June 2011 by guest Speaker Asha Khemka OBE, Principle of West Nottinghamshire College.

Asha took up her post in May 2006.  It is one of the largest colleges in the country with 25,000 students and an annual budget of over £50m.

Jean Mountain, Chair of the Chamber’s Enterprising Women group, said: “There are some very talented and hard-working businesswomen in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire who play a massive part in the success of their business but are often not recognised for their hard work and determination. These awards are all about acknowledging and celebrating those achievements.

“These enterprising women make an important contribution to the local economy and their success stories will hopefully inspire many other women to pursue their business dreams, which is why I would encourage as many people as possible to send in nominations for this year’s awards.”

The Enterprising Women Excellence Awards are open to members and non members of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber and are free to enter.

To request an application pack or for more details about sponsorship, contact Jade Whitemore, Enterprising Women Co-ordinator, on 01332 851280 or email events@dncc.co.uk. Closing date for applications 9am Thursday 1 September 2011.