everywoman Award Winners Announced

The UK's leading female entrepreneurs were last month recognised for their inspiring achievements at the annual NatWest everywoman awards, acting as shining role models for the next generation of young women wanting to go it alone. Liz Cottingham, from Lymington, Hampshire was chosen as the winner in the Coutts-sponsored Hera category, for women aged 50 and over, with her hotel, The Mill at Gordleton .

Recent research carried out by everywoman, in association with NatWest found that female small business owners are in fact more ambitious than their male counterparts and are more likely to predict business growth. The winners of these awards are cases in point, showing that they continue to achieve success, regardless of the challenges they have faced.

Starting out at just 17 working as a chambermaid in Bournemouth, Liz has always been passionate about the hospitality industry. With her husband as her business partner, Liz couldn't resist the challenge of buying the Mill which had been a hugely successful restaurant in the past, where Jean-Christophe Novelli won his first Michelin star. Despite set-backs including splitting from her husband and consequently the necessity of further funding, Liz has succeeded in creating a beautiful place to dine and relax, which is consistently fully booked. 

Liz attributes the success of the Mill to her loyal team of 27. She is also passionate about sustainability, using the river water to power the hotel for example, and is currently working with the University of Southampton to explore the possibilities of restoring the mill to its original working condition.

Karen Gill, co-founder and director of everywoman comments, "Since the start of the credit crunch, the determination demonstrated by the many female entrepreneurs we come across every day has been astounding. Our recent research found that women business owners have a huge desire for growth, and these winners are shining examples of that – they are continuing to strive for success, despite the challenges life throws at them. The calibre of the candidates in this year - the sixth year of the awards - is stronger than ever and these winners are truly an inspiration to other women who are thinking of starting up their own venture at this time."

Sarah Deaves, Chief Executive, Coutts adds, "Coutts is delighted to support the Hera Award which recognises the most inspirational women aged 50 and over, running a successful business. Being so closely involved with entrepreneurs, we are delighted to be part of a programme which recognises the major contribution female entrepreneurs make to the UK economy, and would like to congratulate all the finalists at this year's everywoman Awards and wish them continued success."

The awards were founded six years ago by everywoman, the leading organisation for women in business, to showcase the successes of female business owners, many of whom have overcome significant hurdles to get to where they are.