Below is a selection of the most frequently asked questions. For further information, contact Administrator Caroline Kearney, on 07720 073883 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

What do I have to do to enter?
Just go to the Enter page above and submit a simple form. You will then be asked to prepare a resume of no more than 2,000 words giving certain information about your personal career background and your business history. This must be received by 9am on Monday 4th April.

Should I send in more information?
No. After registering your entry online, we require just your career and business resume. If you are selected for interview, we will then ask for further details about your business. If you wish you may then submit any brochures, literature or other supporting information.

Can someone else help with my entry?
Why not? Get all the assistance you can! Ask those who are themselves involved with your business success – your staff, clients, professional advisors or your bank manager. You may also want to use your PR people or marketing contacts to help you put your entry together. However, if you are chosen for interview you must appear by yourself.

I’m so busy, will entering be a waste of time?
Time for reflection is rarely wasted. Many of our entrants say the entry process alone is really valuable, helping them review their achievements and the progress of their business to date, as well as thinking about their plans for further progress.

Which award can I go for?
If you work in a senior capacity in a private or public sector or not-for-profit organisation with more than £1m turnover, then you should enter the Businesswoman of the Year award. If you have your own business with a turnover of more than £500,000, the Entrepreneur of the Year award is for you.

What if I don’t quite fit the criteria?
Your business or place of work must be located in the six East of England counties, but the judges are not prescriptive about the criteria where real achievement can be demonstrated. If you are unsure, have a word with Caroline Kearney and she will be able to advise.

Can I enter someone else?
You can certainly recommend and encourage another person to enter, and help and guidance with the entry will surely be welcome, but it must be made by the entrant herself.

When are entries due?
The deadline for the receipt of entries is 9am on Monday 4th April

 The 2011 judges
A separate panel for each award will be selected from members of the EEBW committee, the previous Businesswoman of the Year winner, representatives from our sponsors and other specialists. Altogether, there will be a maximum of six judges on each panel. The individual judges are listed at the end of this section.

How will the judges assess my entry?
The judges follow a structured scoring framework which assesses several fundamental aspects of your business including your sales and marketing approach, your financial status, your policies for staff and their development, your innovation and corporate social responsibility.

If I get to interview stage, what will I have to do?
You will be asked to submit information about the structure and finances of the business and prepare a short presentation to the judges of approximately 10 minutes. The complete interview will typically last about 40 minutes and will take place during April.

What will happen after the interviews?
If you are chosen as one of the finalists in your award category, two judges will visit your place of business following the interview stage to understand how it operates and your impact upon it.

What if I have any problems?
Just call Caroline Kearney on 07720 073883 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She will normally be able to answer your questions right away and can also arrange for guidance from one of our group of former winners and judges if desired.

The 2011 Judges

Colleen Gostick
Managing Partner
Buckles Solicitors LLP
Phone: 01733 888806
Fax: 01733 888840
www.buckles-law.co.uk
www.buckles-law.co.uk/site/people/profile/colleen.gostick

Pat Perry
Executive Chairman
Perry Scott Nash Associates Ltd
www.perryscottnash.co.uk
www.perryscottnash.co.uk/pat-perry

Alison Beech
Spicerhaart
Business Relationship Director
www.spicehaart.co.uk/spicehaart-board.aspx

Sureya Landini
Managing Director
Blue Donley Ltd and Benefit Star Ltd
Phone: 01353 724880
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.bluedonkey.co.uk
www.benefitstar.co.uk