Last updated at 11:55, Tuesday, 21 August 2012

FOUR Furness businesswomen have reached the finals for awards which aim to celebrate female entrepreneurship.

FOUR FINALISTS: Back, from left, Hannah Bell, Julie Thompson and Tracy Irwin, seated, Helyn Connerr

The Enterprise Vision Awards now in there second year, were created by the duo behind female networking group Pink Link, Coral Horn and Rae Stephenson, in a bid to recognise women in Lancashire and Cumbria who are championing entrepreneurial growth in the region.

Hannah Bell of Lakes Legal Limited, Julie Thompson of Happy Houndz, Tracy Irwin of TI Payroll, and Helyn Connerr of Astro Innovation, are finalists for the Professional Services Award, Networker Of The Year Award, Financial Services Award and Inspirational Woman Of The Year Award respectively.

The women beat off hundreds of nominees and, after being shortlisted, have successfully faced a panel of judges to reach the remaining six in each category.

Tracy Irwin, Pink Link’s Furness agent, is now looking forward to taking the group to the EVA awards ceremony set to take place on September 14 at Ribby Hall near Preston.

The Dalton businesswoman said: “To have four of the Furness Pink Link Ladies through to the final of the Eva Awards is brilliant, especially since the competition was a lot stronger this year.

“Over the past twelve months the number of women joining Pink Link has been steadily rising, it is great to know that more and more women are feeling confident to go into business and being recognised for their achievements.”

The Furness branch of Pink Link meets every second Friday of the month at The Abbey House Hotel in Barrow.

For more information email tracy@pinklinkladies.co.uk or ring Tracy Irwin on 01229 490341.

To vote for any of the finalists, visit www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk

First published at 11:43, Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk