Ethical businesswomen lauded

Ethical bank Triodos has teamed up with women’s magazine Eve to launch the second Women in Ethical Business Awards (WEBA).

According to the organisers the awards aim to celebrate the women behind some of the most inspiring, ethical businesses in the UK.

Last year Juliet Davenport, founder and director of Good Energy, was the overall winner of last year’s award.

Good Energy was in the vanguard of the green energy revolution and was among the first company to offer consumers a clear, uncomplicated choice about where their electricity came from without their needing to read the small print to check exactly what they were getting.

An unlike most other energy companies, Green Energy was established to sell only energy from renewable sources, rather than having a green tariff as an optional extra or feel-good gimmick.

Judges are now looking for other entrepreneurs who are bringing ethical lifestyle choices into the mainstream and, in their words, ‘using business to make the world a better place’.

As well as wider recognition for their work, the winner will receive a specially tailored £2,500 business support package, providing practical help to move their business forward.

And this year a new award will recognise the UK’s best emerging female entrepreneur.

“Women are driving some of the UK’s most exciting businesses, and the Women in Ethical Business Awards offers a welcome opportunity to celebrate their achievements,” said WEBA judge and Triodos Bank investment manager, Whitni Thomas.

“The awards will be an inspiration for ethical entrepreneurs of the future, as well as a boost for today’s ethical business leaders. If you’re a woman who’s running an enterprise that makes a difference, I urge you to apply.”

Would-be applicants can call 0845 6014958 or visit the Triodos website for an awards pack.

They must be a woman who runs or owns a business that’s over three years old and that’s based on sound ethical principles to apply for the main award.

There is no restriction for the best emerging ethical female entrepreneur category. All applicants for the award will also be invited to a free business master class, where the cream of UK ethical business will share the secrets behind their commercial success.

Entries must be received by 31 January 2007.

Last year’s runners up were Lizzie Vann, founder and managing director of child-friendly organic food producer Organix Brands and Marie Ware, director of Dance Voice Therapy, a Bristol-based charity which uses dance to help people with mental health issues.

Sam Bond