Helen Chapman, founder of soft soled leather baby shoe brand, Dotty Fish, is amongst 22 women from across the UK selected as 2020 finalists in the NatWest everywoman Awards.
Chapman is in the running for the Aphrodite Award sponsored by Daily Mail. This award recognises a woman who founded her business whilst raising a child/children aged 12 or under.
Other finalists include environmental and sustainability disrupters as well as technology innovators and visionaries; all of whom risked everything to build their businesses from scratch.
Now in its 18th year, the NatWest everywoman Awards celebrate female entrepreneurs from all walks of life.
From the founders of international multi-million-pound empires through to those spearheading social enterprises for the greater good; this year’s finalists are the role models whose success will inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs. They also span diverse industries, from fashion, jewellery and design through to hospitality, skincare, food, technology and social care.
The 2020 finalists were chosen by a judging panel comprising some of the UK’s top business figures. They include Chrissie Rucker (The White Company); Helen Pattinson (Montezuma’s); Sarah Wood (Unruly); Roni Savage (Jomas Associates); Annoushka Ducas MBE (Links of London/Annoushka); Rosaleen Blair CBE (Alexander Mann Solutions); fashion designer, Melissa Odabash; Abi Wright (Spa Breaks), and also Sam Smith (FinnCap).
An online ceremony on 3 December 2020 will reveal the award winners.
Additional awards on the night will include the Spirit of everywoman Award presented to a woman who has helped change the landscape for businesswomen in the UK; the everywoman Ambassador Award, celebrating the success of a high-profile entrepreneur; plus the Fortuna Award, recognising an individual who is investing in women-run enterprises.
Commenting on the finalists is Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman. “For 18 years, the NatWest everywoman Awards have provided a platform to share the journeys of hundreds of entrepreneurs and we continue to encourage, embolden and empower women to follow suit.
“This year’s finalists have shown remarkable resilience in the face of recent extraordinary trading conditions. We believe that by amplifying their stories, they will inspire other women to have the courage and confidence to embrace self-employment. Following the 2008 financial crash, we saw a surge in female self-employment and if Covid-19 has any positives, it will be the catalyst for greater innovation and enterprise.”
Also commenting is Yvonne Greeves, director of Women in Business at NatWest Group.
“We are delighted to once again be supporting these prestigious awards for some of the UK’s most talented and inspirational female entrepreneurs.
“At NatWest, we are proud of our long-standing partnership with everywoman and these awards help showcase role models that have the potential to inspire those around them and female talent from every sector across the length and breadth of the UK. Congratulations to all the shortlisted finalists and we look forward to the Awards on the 3rd December.”
For further information or to book a table at the virtual awards ceremony, please click here. Click here to visit the Dotty Fish website.
