Newport based Izzy Warren-Smith is a finalist in National Women’s Enterprise Awards

Posted 31 January 2007

Newport based Izzy Warren-Smith OBE, Director of Women in Rural Enterpise (WiRE) is a finalist in the ACCA sponsored 'Outstanding Contribution to Women's Development' category of 2007 Prowess Awards, the premier national Awards for those giving a hand up to women in business, through mentoring, business support, advocacy and inspiration.

The Award judges, who include some of the UK’s leading business, women were particularly impressed by Izzy’s ground-breaking research that led to the formation of WiRE in 1996 and which has had an immense impact on government policy and enterprise practice. Izzy has championed the cause for rural business women unstintingly for many years. Recent research suggests that rural women are among the most entrepreneurial groups in the UK: Izzy Warren-Smith’s leadership is undoubtedly a factor.

The Awards will be presented at a glittering Gala Awards Dinner on 7 February.

Prowess is the UK network of organisations which support women to start and grow businesses. Prowess has 250 members who support 100,000 women in business each year and 10,000 new business start-ups. You can find women-friendly business support and events in your area on the Prowess website www.prowess.org.uk