Member Article

Two Yorkshire entrepreneurs shortlisted for 2014 Lloyds First Women Awards

Two Yorkshire entrepreneurs have been shortlisted for the 2014 First Women Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group.

In the running for this year’s First Woman in Public Service Award is permanent cosmetic consultant and founder of Nouveau Beauty Group, Karen Betts.

Based in Pontefract, Karen’s career in permanent cosmetics began when a close friend asked her to tattoo on her eyebrows after she lost them to cancer.

After helping acid-attack victim, Katie Piper with her own facial reconstruction, Karen now works closely with the Katie Piper Foundation to support others with similar conditions, as well as a number of other leading charities including Breast Friends and The Haven.

Also representing Yorkshire is Wakefield-based Jo Haigh, senior partner of Fds Corporate Finance, who is competing for the First Woman in Business Services Award.

Jo specialises has bought and sold more than 325 companies in the past 25 years, including three of her own companies, and has undertaken two personal MBOs.

Fiona Cannon OBE, Diversity & Inclusion Director, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Lloyds Banking Group has been a supporter of the First Women Awards since they were launched.

“The awards have particular resonance for us this year as we have become the first UK private sector company to make a public commitment to increase the number of women in senior management positions (40% by 2020). “

The awards ceremony is taking place at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on Thursday June 12, 2014, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Mishal Husain.

Get involved by tweeting @Real_Business or #firstwomenawards

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .