An exciting new initiative to celebrate the achievements of women across the London Borough of Sutton is launching on International Women’s Day, Friday, 8th March 2019.

Sutton Women Mean Business Awards in association with Willmott Dixon have been established to inspire and illustrate the importance of women in the workforce and in the community. They will launch in style on the 8th with a sparkling Afternoon Tea for 100 guests and the unveiling of the specially commissioned Sutton Inspirational Women Photographic Exhibition at the landmark Sutton Point development.

A joint venture between Successful Sutton, the London Borough of Sutton and White Label Creative, the new awards will invite entries and nominations from working women of all ages, from all backgrounds and across all fields of endeavour, who are vital to the success of local businesses and communities.

Patricia Park, BID Manager, Successful Sutton, said: “These brilliant new awards provide a platform for the many talented and entrepreneurial women in our borough to be recognised for the contribution they make to our economy and our community. We also hope they will be role models for the next generation of women in Sutton.”

The awards will feature several free-to-enter categories covering a range of professions, businesses and sectors, including charities and social enterprise. There will also be a chance for people to nominate women in the workplace who they feel should be recognised, as well as an opportunity to recognise those – male or female, business or charity – who have enabled and empowered women in the workplace.

A key feature of the launch will be the announcement of the first Sutton Inspirational Women, whose pictures and stories will be showcased at a new photographic exhibition. As successful and aspiring business leaders and professionals they are role models for women across the generations and will act as ambassadors for the awards.

Councillor Jayne McCoy (above), Deputy Leader of Sutton Council, commented: “We’re pleased to support the first Sutton Women Mean Business awards and are proud to celebrate the positive power of women in workplaces across Sutton. We want to demonstrate the diversity of roles open to women to help inspire the next generation. We want to see men and women across the borough recognise the powerful role women play in business and communities. And we want to see employers recognised for their commitment to flexible working and demonstrably encouraging women at all levels of their organisation or business.”

Stephen Parker, New Business Manager of headline sponsor, Willmott Dixon said: “We’re delighted to support this initiative. The construction industry is traditionally male dominated but our future growth relies on reaching out to pools of talent in under-represented communities and chiefly among women. By 2030 we want to have gender parity in our business, so it is hugely important to support initiatives like this, celebrating the achievements of women in the workplace to inspire the next generation”

The Sutton Women Mean Business Awards are sponsored by events partners Successful Sutton and Sutton Council, with headline sponsor Willmott Dixon, launch sponsor CNM, and are supported by St Nicolas Centre, Sutton and Sutton Point.

For more information on sponsorship please contact Rhian on 0208 726 7968 or email rletang@wlcreative.org.uk

To register interest in attending the awards launch, from 2pm to 4pm, on Friday, 8th March, 2019, at Sutton Point, Sutton Ct Rd, Sutton SM1 4SY visit: www.suttonwomenmeanbusiness.co.uk