The finalists for the 2011 NatWest everywoman Awards have been announced, recognising the UK’s most committed and inspirational female business owners.

Take a look at the list of 2011 NatWest everywoman Awards finalists >>

The finalists are women who are bucking the current economic trend to achieve success through their determination and passion to be the best. With many women re-assessing their career options as the UK economy shows scant signs of improving, these finalists are examples of how going it alone can reap huge rewards.

Raising the profile of women entrepreneurs

2011 sees the ninth year of the NatWest everywoman Awards, which have significantly raised the profile of scores of inspirational female entrepreneurs across the UK – encouraging thousands of other women to venture into enterprise.

The winners will be announced at a lunch ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday 7th December 2011. In addition to the main categories announced today, a number of further awards will be presented on the day including:

The NatWest everywoman Award - recognising the most passionate and dedicated woman business owner who the judges feel has overcome significant challenges to achieve outstanding business success. The award winner will be selected from the finalists of the four categories listed above.

The Spirit of everywoman Award - honouring one woman who has changed the landscape for women in business, The 'Spirit of everywoman' Award recognises the significant contribution of a woman whose determination, commitment and dedication has changed the landscape for women in business in the UK. Previous winners have included first lady of football, Karren Brady; the First Director General of MI6 Dame Stella Rimington; and the UK’s most successful self-made female entrepreneur and everywoman Awards Patron, Dame Mary Perkins.

The everywoman Ambassador Award - presented to a successful woman whose achievements and high profile are inspiring more young women to consider entrepreneurship. In previous years, this award has been given to, Elle MacPherson and Jo Malone.

Entrants for the NatWest everywoman Awards programme are judged by a panel of their successful peers including Chrissie Rucker MBE, founder of The White Company and Anna Lee co-founder of Storm Watches.

Recognising inspirational women across the country

Commenting on this year’s line-up of finalists, everywoman co-founder, Karen Gill MBE, says, "The NatWest everywoman Awards have been recognising inspirational women across the country, and the finalists this year again show that anything can be achieved, no matter what the odds. The women on this year’s shortlist have demonstrated passion, determination and dedication to get where they are, regardless of age, education or background. Given the plight of the economy it is more vital than ever that enterprise is encouraged and by recognising British success stories we will encourage more business start-ups."

Carolyn Currie, Head of Women in Business at NatWest adds, "With the current high rates of female unemployment never has the need to celebrate, encourage and promote female entrepreneurship been of more importance. I'd very much like to congratulate the 2011 NatWest everywoman Award nominees, who embody exactly the type of entrepreneur that will be so key to aiding recovery in the UK. I hope their stories will encourage more women into enterprise and our nationwide team of Women in Business advisers stand ready to aid them on their path to success."

For table bookings and ticket enquiries, please contact everywoman directly on 020 7981 2574 and for further information visit www.everywoman.com/ewawards

Take a look at the list of 2011 NatWest everywoman Awards finalists >>