BARCLAYS is calling on business people from across the region to join in the search for Dorset’s leading business woman for 2013.

For the second year, Barclays is sponsoring the Business Women of the Year Award within the Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, and is now seeking entries for 2013 prior to the deadline of Tuesday September 10.

As inventor of the world’s first leak proof potty and supporter of numerous initiatives to tackle problems associated with the environmental impact of nappy landfill, Amanda Jenner of My Carry Potty was awarded with the inaugural 2012 Business Women of the Year Award.

Last year Amanda sold 54,000 potties in 27 countries, making a gross profit of £100,000, and in 2013 she aims to increase production to at least 75,000 units.

She said: “It was absolutely amazing to win and to be recognised as a successful woman in business. Since winning this Award, I have designed an updated version of the Carry Potty which will launch in September and as a result of winning a Dorset Business Award I recently appeared on BBC One’s The One Show to discuss my invention which gave me tremendous exposure.

“I would encourage others to enter as it’s fantastic to be recognised for the goals you are achieving and my top tip is to be honest in your entry.

“If you believe you are ready to put yourself forward for an award you must do it, don’t put it off. Winning is a great profile-raiser.”

The Business Women of the Year Award, sponsored by Barclays is open to women owning a business of any size and industry sector, and the business will need to have been trading for at least two years. Franchise owners and women who have their own private practices, for example doctors, accountants, solicitors and dentists can also enter this Award.

Entrants will need to include details of the following: n Why the business was set up and a synopsis of its development n Information on any outstanding personal achievements during the past 12 months which have been beneficial to the business. This should include how these achievements have influenced the wider business community n An explanation of the approach to leadership, management style and how personal growth is encouraged in others n Details on future goals – short and long-term career and personal objectives, as well as information on how the business plans to develop over the next three to five years n How skills have been developed for both the entrant and their staff to ensure they are ahead in their industry, career path and objectives.

n An insight into lifestyle outside of work, for example social interests, community involvement and hobbies. Robert Jones, Director in the Wealth and Investment Management division of Barclays in Bournemouth, adds: “This award category is hugely important in celebrating the region’s inspirational female success stories and we are pleased to sponsor the Business Woman of the Year award for the second year running.”

The Awards are also backed by radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter.

Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry.

The closing date for entry is Tuesday September 10. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Lighthouse, Poole, on Thursday November 28 please contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.

Barclays

The wealth and investment management division of Barclays focuses on private and intermediary clients worldwide, providing international and private banking, wealth planning, investment management, fiduciary services and brokerage.

Barclays is a leading global wealth manager, and the UK’s largest, with total client assets of £186bn, as at December 31, 2012.