Previous Winners and Finalists
- Woman of the Year Award
- Hidden Talent of the Year Award
- Star of the Future Award
- Leader of the Year Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Inspiration of the Year Award
- Store Manager of the Year Award
- Innovator of the Year Award
- Other 2008 Awards
The Specsavers Woman of the Year Award
This award was selected by the judges from the finalists of our seven categories and is awarded to one exceptional woman whose vision, innovative approach and success makes her an outstanding role model that will inspire more women to choose a career in retail.2009 Winner: Gwyn Burr, Sainsbury's Plc.
2008 Winner: Gwen Patterson, Centra Moat Filling Station
Hidden Talent of the Year Award
2009
Winner: Kim Roberts, WM Morrison's Supermarkets
Finalist: Amber Blake, QVC
Finalist: Rhonda Floyd, McDonalds Restaurants Ltd.
2008
Winner: Marjorie Murphy, The Co-operative Group
Finalist: Jenny Alleyne, The Co-operative Group
Finalist: Katrina Freedman, Vodafone UK
Star of the Future Award
2009
Winner: Leah Boothe, McDonald's Restaurants Ltd.
Finalist: Emma Green, The Midcounties Co-operative
Finalist: Lucy Clarke, The Co-operative Group
2008
Winner: Emma Semper, The Co-operative Group
Finalist: Sarah Green, 1st For Furniture Ltd
Finalist: Gemma Hallam, Dorothy Perkins
Leader of the Year Award
This was awarded to an ambitious, talented and driven woman who should be recognised as a true role model across the sector.2009
Winner: Suzanne Marshall, Argos Ltd.
Finalist: Elaine Roughley, Clinton Cards
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The winner was awarded for her entrepreneurial talent and vision that inspires others to start their own ventures.2009
Winner: Holly Tucker & Sophie Cornish, notonthehighstreet.com
Finalist: Clare Thommen, Boudiche
Finalist: Wendy Hallett, Hallett Retail
2008
Winner: Anne Furbank, Anne Furbank Group Ltd
Finalist: Nicky Allen, Box 2 Ltd
Inspiration of the Year Award
The winner was awarded for her efforts in bringing about positive cultural change for women within her organisation.2009
Winner: Helen Humphrey, McDonald's Restaurants Ltd.
Finalist: Samata Angel, Samata’s Muse
Finalist: Tarra Simmons, The Midcounties Co-operative
2008
Winner: Cathy O'Neill, Fortnum & Mason
Finalist: Jackie Bampton, Asda Stores Ltd
Finalist: Jessica Horler, Argos
Store Manager of the Year Award
The winners was awarded for their leadership skills and commercial flair, setting them apart from their peers.2009
Winner: Donna Hunter, The Midcounties Co-operative
Finalist: Lindsey McCarthy, Signet Trading Ltd.
Finalist: Lucie Cork, B&Q
2008
Winner: Sarah Percox and Ann Greenall, Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
Finalist: Judith Ayling - Whitehouse, Vodafone UK
Finalist: Becky Copper, Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
Innovator of the Year Award
This is awarded to the woman whose innovative ideas, fresh approach and vision for improving an aspect of the business is having a positive impact on the organisation and/or those working in it.2009
Winner: Wendy Hallett, Hallett Retail
Finalist: Alex Pike, Simple Health and Beauty Ltd.
Finalist: Laura Tenison MBE, JoJo Maman Bébé
Other 2008 Awards
Buyer of the Year 2008
The winner was awarded for her achievement, product diversity and/or innovative sourcing which is bringing positive change to her retail business.
Winner: Maria Elener, The Co-operative Group
Finalist: Angela Cattigan, The Co-operative Group
Finalist: Sam Rosen-Nash, Fortnum & Mason
Director of the Year Award 2008
The winner was chosen from an open category of all female directors working in retail, whether working in operations, finance, IT, marketing, merchandising etc.
Winner: Susan Townsend, Blackwell UK Ltd
Finalist: Gillian Maskell, The Body Shop International
Finalist: Angela Morrison, Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd