Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards
Since launching in 2008, the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards seek to identify the dynamic female talent working at the top of the retail industry and showcase the broad range of career opportunities that retail can offer women, beyond the shop floor. These awards are vital in presenting the industry as one that welcomes, values and rewards talented women, and present it as an industry sector where women can fulfil their career aspirations.
Evidence suggests that despite the retail industry employing 60% women, a very low proportion of those women are working in senior management. However, it seems that the tide is now turning for women at the highest levels; research released in January 2012 by the Professional Boards Forum found that the number of women directors in British boardrooms has reached its highest ever level (14.9%). The Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards celebrate the success of the sector’s female leaders and seek to encourage a pipeline of future talent into the industry.
Tweet about the awards using hashtag #ewretail
Key Dates
- 1 February 2012: Nominations launch
- 16 May 2012 (5pm): Nominations close
- w/c 23 July 2012: Finalists announced
- 13 September 2012: Awards Ceremony & Dinner
Find out what happened at 2011 Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards >>
2011 Winners & Finalists
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Previous Winners & 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.
2010 Winner
Jayne Cartwright, Save the Children UK
2009 Winner
Gwyn Burr, Sainsbury's Plc.
2008 Winner
Gwen Patterson, Centra Moat Filling Station
Hidden Talent of the Year Award
Awarded for innovative approach and talent which is making a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation worked in.
2010
Winner: Emma Harris - ASDA Stores Ltd
Finalist: Diane McCarthy - Personal Shopping Manager, House of Fraser
Finalist: Dawn Welham - Director of Technical Leadership, ASDA Stores Ltd
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
This is awarded to the woman aged under 30, whose energy, ambition and generosity of spirit represents the positive future of the retail industry.
2010
Winner: Lauren Westwood - Westwood Rocks
View a video about the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards, featuring Lauren Westwood >>
Finalist: Thalia Davidson - Boots UK
Finalist: Stephanie Mills - Card Factory
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.
2010
Winner: Liz Bell - B&Q PLC
View a video about the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards, featuring Liz Bell >>
Finalist: Sylvia Jones - Morrisons
Finalist: Jo Moon - ASDA Stores Ltd
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.
2010
Winner: Kate Watkin - Lebeado
Finalist: Sharon Blackstone and Carly Silver - Directors, Express Yourself Mums Ltd.
Finalist: Sarah Fitzgerald - Proprietor, In These Shoes
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.
2010
Winner: Fiona Briault - Head of Central Operations (George), ASDA Stores Ltd
Finalist: Diane Allaway - Team Manager, Pools Plus (Tony & Co) LLP
Finalist: Annmarie Rocks - Community Colleague, ASDA Stores Ltd
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.
2010
Winner: Wendy O'Bank - General Store Manager (Asda Swanley), ASDA Stores Ltd
Finalist: Vanessa Langford - Branch Manager, Dorothy Perkins
Finalist: Claire Thomas - Store Manager, Boots UK
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.
2010
Winner: Anna Bance - Founder/CEO, Girl Meets Dress
View a video about the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards, featuring Anna Bance >>
Finalist: Tracy Ford - Category Director Meal Solutions, ASDA Stores Ltd
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