Nominations Open for the 36th Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award

LONDON, December 3, 2008 -    The search is on for the extraordinary business woman who will
win the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award.

  Now in its 36th year, this unique award recognises the
inspiring role played by successful business women. This prize will be
awarded on April 28th 2009.

 

  The type of business in not important, but achievement,
motivational ability, innovation, creativity, business acumen,
entrepreneurship, dynamism, charisma and, most critically, a profound concern
for the sustainable growth of her business and the development of her team,
will certainly be amongst the qualities the judges will be looking for.

 

  In theming this year’s award Veuve Clicquot has acknowledged
the increasing importance of social and environmental issues in the success
of 21st century business, both as regards to operation of the business, and
its impact on the broader community. Therefore, the judges will also be
looking for a genuine commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.

 

  Nominations will be considered by a panel of 10 respected
figures from the worlds of finance, the media and business - including
previous winners of the award.

 

  This Award is inspired by the unique qualities of Madame
Clicquot, pioneering creator of the great champagne house. Widowed while
still young, Madame Clicquot took up the reins of her husband’s family
business, opening up new markets under challenging conditions,
revolutionising production techniques and acquiring the best vineyards. She
grew to become the “Grande Dame de la Champagne” and left a legacy.

 

  In the spirit of innovation established by Madame Clicquot,
Veuve Clicquot has placed sustainable development at the very heart of their
business. Sustainable viticulture, preservation and dissemination of
traditional skills, apprenticeship programmes, a commitment to diversity and
a profit-sharing scheme, amongst many other measures, mark Veuve Clicquot out
as a modern business working for a future as illustrious and responsible as
its past.

 

  Current holder of the title is Ms Carolyn McCall, CEO of the
Guardian Media Group. Rt Hon Theresa May MP presented the award to Ms McCall
at The Awards Ceremony held at The Berkeley hotel in April of last year.

 

  The closing date for nominations is 31st January, 2009.

 

  More Info:

 

  VEUVE CLICQUOT AWARD

 

  BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

 

  The Award was created by?

 

  Veuve Clicquot Champagne

 

  Why?

 

  To commemorate the woman who inherited the company which now bears her
name

 

  Why was she so special?

 

  In 1805 she took over her husband’s vineyards and from small beginnings
created an internationally owned company

 

  What were her achievements?

 

  She invented a system for clarifying the wine, still used today by all
Champagne producers. It was she who pioneered rosé Champagne. Perseverance
against the trade blockade during the time of Napoleon made her a formidable
exporter. Her tenacity gained her champagne a foothold in Russia and her wine
was to become the champagne of the Russian Court

 

  When did the Award begin?

 

  In 1972, the year after the company had celebrated its bi-centenary. This
year will be the 36th in Britain

 

  What use is the Award?

 

  Each year tells the story of a shortlist of women who are high achievers
in business life. Their stories are an encouragement and inspiration to
younger, aspiring women. It salutes the women of achievement - many of whom
work quietly and without acclaim in the many different businesses and
industries that contribute to the economic life of this country

 

  Is the Award purely British?

 

  Other countries have run or are running the Award. In the last three
years it has been run in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden
and Switzerland

 

  How do people get nominated?

 

  Regional, trade and national press, business groups, women’s networks,
venture capitalists and other business organisations are circularise to
elicit nominations

 

  How many nominations?

 

  In previous years Veuve Clicquot have received between 50 - 80
application per year, most with supporting evidence - accounts, product
information, CV and company profile

 

  Who judges?

 

  A group of men and women representing the business press, corporate and
entrepreneurial business, consumers, venture capital, executive search and
Veuve Clicquot.

 

  What is the criteria?

 

  As it is not a first past the post race, the yard stick is the business
profile of Madame Clicquot. Her character has been distilled and the nominees
are judged against her merits.

 

  When is the shortlist announced?

 

  March 2009

 

  How many women are short listed?

 

  No more than five

 

  When is the winner announced?

 

  On 28th April 2009 at the Saatchi Gallery, London

 

  What is the prize?

 

  Primarily the title. At the presentation the winner receives a silver
trophy and a case of La Grande Dame, a special vintage produced from the
vineyards only owned by Madame Clicquot during her lifetime. She will visit
Reims, along with the laureates from other countries, where each will
christen a vine in her own name and enrol as a Friend of the Widow, who each
receives a gift of Champagne every birthday for life

 

  Current holder of the title:

 

  Carolyn McCall, CEO, Guardian Media Group

 

  A few of the 35 past winners:

 

  Anita Roddick, Body Shop International; Mair Barnes, Woolworths plc; Ann
Gloag, Stagecoach Holdings plc; Nicola Foulston, Brands Hatch plc; Marjorie
Scardino, Pearson plc; Anne Wood, Ragdoll Productions; Dianne Thompson,
Camelot plc; Barbara Cassani, Go Fly UK; Linda Bennett, LK Bennett; Dawin
Gibbins, Flocrete Group of Companies; Vivienne Cox, Vivienne Cox Executive
Vice President and CEO BP Gas, Power & Renewables and Integrated Supply &
Trading; Rosaleen Blair, CEO of Alexander Mann Solutions

 

  With so many high achieving women in business is the Award redundant?

 

  Women are still very much a minority group in high management
and in the entrepreneurial world. The encouragement and recognition the Award
gives remains valid for the 21st century

 

  How can a nomination be made?

 

  Visit the website for an on-line application form
http://www.veuveclicquotaward.com/

 

  Or please refer to the website: http://www.veuveclicquotaward.com/

 

Source: Veuve Clicquot

For further information please contact: Martyn Bowden, Veuve Clicquot Public Relations, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Ph: +44(0)207-2454-345, E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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