THE West Country Women Awards 2022 are open for nominations and the team have announced a new collaboration to boost celebrating and recognising the work of women across the region.

Devon Women in Business Awards and the West Country Women Awards are delighted to announce that they are working together to strengthen the value of both schemes giving businesswoman in Devon and the wider South West greater opportunities to shine and be recognised.

Organisers of both awards have decided to maximise the opportunities for the celebration of women with the winners of the Devon awards going straight through to the West Country Women Awards on a “Golden Ticket”.

The collaboration will involve cross-promotion and a natural progression from a county-wide award to regional awards.

Alexis Bowater, OBE, of West Country Women Awards CIC, said: “We are delighted to be working together with Devon Women in Business, this absolutely ties in with our purpose and philosophy of collaboration, co-operation and community: the Golden Ticket from county awards taking them straight through to regionals is brilliant for everyone.

“I have run women in business awards since 2014 but this time it’s not just about business: it’s about everybody’s business with new categories in recognising those working in the fields of combatting violence against women and girls, health, sport and even a ‘best supporting act’ category among so many others.”

Louise Jenner, Chair of Devon Women in Business, said: “Instead of viewing each other as competitors, I’m proud to say that we looked for the positive in the situation and found lots!”

Both schemes have attracted strong support and are now open for entries.

Category information and entry forms for the West Country Women Awards can be found at: www.westcountrywomenawards.co.uk and for Devon Women in Business on: www.devonwomeninbusiness.com .

Nominations close at the end of August 2022.