The search is on for the North West’s most talented business women as entries open for the 2019 Enterprise Vision Awards.

Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise the achievements of female entrepreneurs from across the region.

Last year winners included Cumbria’s Alison Magee-Barker, of the Windermere-based AJ Lakes Consultancy, Amy Onyango and Clare Mansfield, of Felltarn Friends, Kendal; Jules Natlacen, of The Churchmouse at Barbon near Kirkby Lonsdale and Samantha Gargett, of Elton Finance in Penrith.

Founder Coral Horn said: “The North West is a hotbed of talented women. We’re excited to see who will become the trailblazers for female entrepreneurship in the awards.

“We’ve been getting enquiries since the 2018 awards closed and 2019 looks set to be a record year for entries!”

Women from all business types and sizes can enter regardless of whether they are a business owner or an employee.

From bakers to scientists, homeworkers to CEOs of large organisations, there are 16 categories.

Businesswomen across the North West can nominate themselves or can be nominated.

The ceremony will be held in September at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool. The MC is Rosie Dummer, the first female helicopter pilot in the British Army.

In 2018, 17 women were shortlisted for the Enterprise Vision Awards, up from 11 the year before.

Last year’s finalists included Susan Robinson, Nanny Brow, Ambleside; Amanda Ryan, Social Elf, Carlisle; Angela Black, AB Accountancy Solutions; Gina Pennington, Penningtons Tea and Coffee Ltd, Kendal; Michelle Partington, Shelly’s Drinks Ltd, Holme; Faye Ramsey, Porto Restaurant, Windermere; Yvonne Gainford, Culinary Occasions, Workington; Alison Tordoff, Fidget Design; Rebecca Watson, Rebecca Watson Design and Marketing, Aspatria; Nici Hewitson, One Little Bird, Cockermouth and Tracy Johnson and Lisa Jackson, The Sugar Shed, Holme.

Applications close on June 10 at midnight.