This year’s Mentorsme Enterprise Mentoring Awards - run by the British Bankers' Association (BBA) on behalf of the founding UK banks - took place at the BT Tower on Tuesday 18th November, and focused on the role that mentoring plays in supporting female owned or led businesses.
The night was a celebration of their success in business while recognising the contribution mentoring makes to that success.
The awards were being supported by the Women’s Business Council (WBC), as part of their focus on increasing the levels of women’s entrepreneurship, and hosted by BT and WBC member Emer Timmons, head of BT global services.
Emer Timmons, President BT Global Services and member of the Women’s Business Council, said:
“BT is delighted to a host the prestigious Mentorsme Excellence in Women’s Enterprise Mentoring Awards. The awards will showcase best practice in the BBA’s Mentorsme scheme and the important role mentoring plays in supporting female owned or led businesses.
“It is fitting to celebrate these successes and to welcome additional government funding for women entrepreneurs during Global Entrepreneurship Week.”
Irene Graham, Executive Director of Business Finance at the BBA, said:
“We all have mentors in life, but in business – whether young or established – there is often a need for some outside guidance. Entrepreneurs don’t always have colleagues or peers to ask for help or act as a critical friend.
“Over the past 3 years the Mentorsme programme – including bank mentors - has been key in helping thousands of companies find the right mentor to help them navigate their path to growth and success.
“This year’s Mentorsme awards are unique in that they celebrate women-led businesses, which contribute billions to our economy each year. The BBA is delighted to have again organised this exciting event and is committed to continue to support a flourishing and diverse business community across the country.”
At the Awards, Women and Equalities Minister Jo Swinson will announced vital mentoring support for female entrepreneurs with £150,000 to fund ‘Meet a Mentor’ events which will link up female-led businesses, at both the start-up phase and at the point when they are exploring business growth, with mentors.