The shortlist for the 8th PRECIOUS Awards 2014 has been announced, placing a spotlight on a group of women whose successes have been underrepresented by wider society thus far.
Launched in 2007, The PRECIOUS Awards (www.preciousawards.com) provides a platform to celebrate the achievements of outstanding female talent across industries, amongst the UK’s diverse communities. Since launching, the awards have been instrumental in informing the business community and driving change around issues of diversity and female entrepreneurial and leadership talent.
This year’s finalists include; Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive of the charity The Diana Award, Sunny Choudhury, Founder of Tweezy, an innovative beauty gadget for eyebrows that has caught the attention of industry heavyweights such as Cosmopolitan Magazine; and broadcaster, producer and director Jasmine Dotiwala.
Foluke Akinlose MBE, founder of the PRECIOUS Awards says: It is such a pleasure to announce our 8th shortlist. As usual our finalists provide a mix of innovation, leadership flair and entrepreneurial greatness and talent. I am delighted to share these success stories and provide a platform for their stories to be heard not just in the UK but internationally.”
“I am delighted once again to give my support to the Precious Awards and to congratulate those who use their talent and initiative to start a business. Your awards will help to create great role models for others to follow. This is vital work and you have my full support. “
David Cameron, UK Prime Minister.
Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors, supporting sponsors of the PRECIOUS Awards says:
“The Institute of Directors is delighted to support this year’s Precious Awards. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of this country’s economy and we are very much looking forward to hearing about all the vibrant businesses set up by the Awards entrants. The IoD is firmly convinced that diversity is essential to strong corporate decision making and to strengthening the economy as a whole. We look forward to welcoming the Award winners to the IoD.”
Significant women of colour who have been celebrated or lent their support to the awards in past include; India Gary Martin, COO of Investment Banking Technology & Operations at JP Morgan, Charlene White, journalist and ITV News presenter and Geeta Patel, co-founder and director of Stargate Capital.
This year’s sponsors and supporters include Credit Suisse, Harvey Nash. Pearson plc and the British Library. With this year’s ceremony taking place at the Institute of Directors on 22nd October during Black History Month, The PRECIOUS Awards not only illustrate and highlight the many success stories of Britain’s women of colour, but also recognise as well as create more role models for the next generation.
The awards ceremony takes place at the Institute of Directors, PALL MALL, on the 22nd October 2014 from 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at £125, where attendees can enjoy a drinks reception, delicious 3 course meal, and chance to connect with some inspiring company.
