Are you the UK’s best tradeswoman?
Entries are now open for the Best Tradeswoman category in this year’s Best Business Woman Awards 2015.
The award is open to all women working in a trade, from plumbers to electricians to gardeners – all entrants need to do is demonstrate why customers believe their services are the best.
Women currently represent just 6%1 of tradespeople in the UK, and through this award, the BBWA 2015 hopes to highlight the benefits that women bring to trades businesses and encourage young women to follow in the winners’ footsteps.
Caroline Dinenage, the Minister for Equalities, acknowledges that this 6% representation is unsatisfactory, stating that women need more encouragement to pursue careers in engineering-related industries.
She says that the Government is striving for improved standards by encouraging young women to keep studying STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and supporting women in the workplace so they can balance their careers with other responsibilities outside of work.
This year’s Best Tradeswoman category is sponsored by Vanarama, a vehicle licensing company with a 50% female management team.
Andy Alderson, Vanarama’s Managing Director, said: “We thought it was about time that the nation recognised the vital and increasing role women are making in trades today. By sponsoring this award we can showcase some of the best tradeswomen in the country, helping them to boost their business potential too.”
If you’d like to enter the Best Tradeswoman Awards 2015, or if you know another talented tradeswoman who may, read the full details and download your entry form here. All entries must be submitted by 22nd September 2015.
Did you know that less than 1%2 of plumbers in the UK are women? Click here to read more about women in the plumbing industry.
1 HPV, 2015. Best Tradeswoman Award recognises outstanding female achievement. [Online] Available at: http://www.hvpmag.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3343/Best_Tradeswoman_Award_recognises_outstanding_female_achievement.html.
2 WaterSafe, 2014. WaterSafe, 2014. National call for more females into the plumbing industry, as research reveals young girls are let down at school. [Online] Available at: https://www.watersafe.org.uk/news/latest_news/get_girls_plumbing_campaign_launched/.
[All information sources accessed 24th June 2015].