A former Businesswoman of the Year has urged women involved in engineering and manufacturing to enter the prestigious competition.
Julie White, managing director ofdiamond drilling and demolition firm D-Drill, wants to see more women showcase their skills by entering the Businesswoman of the Year Awards.
The awards, which have been running for 32 years, aim to highlight great role models and mentors by encouraging and inspiring women to reach their potential.
Previous winners include current West Ham United Vice-Chairman and Apprentice star Karren Brady CBE, as well as former Dragons Den star Hilary Devey CBE and Sarah Tremellen, Founder and Chief Executive of Bravissimo.
Entries are open for the Businesswoman of the Year with the winner to be announced at the Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel near the NEC on Friday, October 10.
And Julie, who won the award in 2011, has encouraged women to nominate themselves not just to receive a personal accolade but to help the profile of their businesses nationally.
“On a very practical level, there’s no doubt that even being nominated for an award can contribute directly to your bottom line,” Julie explained.
“It boosts your business profile as a whole and lends credibility, attracting new opportunities within a wider market.
“I was initially reluctant to put myself forward, but winning has had a huge impact and since then I’ve received a lot of media attention, appearing on a range of shows from the Daily Politics to Question Time.
“It’s taken me to places I thought I’d never see, and has given me a platform to both raise the profile of my industry and discuss the issues affecting it.”
Julie added: “Winning makes you a recognisable figure within your sector. Since receiving my award I’ve become known across our industry as “Diamond Julie”, and people tend to know who I am and what I’ve done. That’s difficult to quantify in cash terms, but it has certainly been instrumental in securing new business.
“If you’re a successful woman in business or know one that’s too modest to nominate themselves, I’d urge you to take the opportunity to boost your business.”