The achievements of women in the travel industry were recognised at the Shine Awards which took place at London Metropolitan University last night.
Organisers Shine People and Places received more than 100 entries for the awards from across the travel and hospitality sectors.
Among the winners was Sunshine Travel managing director Karen Eason, who set up her shop in Corsham, Wiltshire in 2002. She said: “I decided to go it alone after working for one of the multiples and started off in my parents back room. Now the hard work has really paid off.”
Recruitment agency New Frontiers director Julia Feuell scooped the Woman Entrepreneur award. She said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a career with a gulf war, 9/11 and a recession, but all through that I’ve been able to count on my staff.”
Judges said the standard of applicants had been excellent. First Protocol managing director Mark Riches, who chaired the judging panel, said: “This is a real grass roots award scheme. It showcases the talented women in the sector, from CEOs of FTSE 100 companies to founders of small businesses.”
The award ceremony following a roundtable discussion, where 30 industry representatives discussed how the recession will impact on talent management.
The Metropolitan University will also host a symposium on talent management next year in conjunction with Shine.
The winners were:
Corporate Woman: Vanessa Lensenn, GoLearnTo
Woman Entrepreneur: Julia Feuell, New Frontiers
Outstanding Mentor: Gina McAdam, Stratemarco
Young Achiever: Emma Chang, The Liner Hotel
Special Judges’ Awards: Fiona Jeffery, World Travel Market and Karen Eason, Sunshine Travel
Judges’ commendation: Sharon Glancy, Stonebow Training and Lynn Westbury, head of Foresight Centre at Liverpool University