number of applicants for its prestigious Businesswoman of the Year Awards, as it marks its 40th anniversary.
A total of 370 applications have been received for this year’s programme, which recognises the achievements of talented and dedicated female professionals from around the country.
Network Ireland was set up in 1983 and has grown to more than 1,000 members across 17 branches around Ireland. Each year they organise in excess of 250 events for members which allows them a chance to share their own business experiences with others.
Network Ireland President Emma Murphy said it’s a reflection of the success of the organisation.
“Network Ireland continues to develop year-on-year and I am thrilled to see so many talented candidates entering the Businesswoman of the Year Awards this year. It can be difficult to shout about our own successes and I think the support shown to members in Network Ireland gives people a boost in confidence which is why it’s such an important group. We’ve heard some remarkable stories from past winners and I would like to thank these women for taking the time to share their insights with this year’s members and for being an inspiration to so many," Ms Murphy stated.
This year’s awards have a special significance as Network Ireland marks 40 years of supporting members around the country. A new category has been added to mark the occasion. The Networker of the Year will recognise those who have used their Network Ireland membership to lead, support and collaborate with others while achieving their own goals.
The other seven categories are:
Emerging Businesswoman
Solo Businesswoman
Established Businesswoman
Creative Professional
STEM Professional
Employee - Rising Star
Employee - Shining Star
Local branches of Network Ireland will host an awards final and the first of these is in mid-May. The winners will go forward to represent their branch at the National Awards which take place on September 29, in Naas, County Kildare.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members the very best of luck in the awards. It’s a great chance to promote your business and we have seen in the past that it opens lots of doors for the winners. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at the local awards across the coming weeks and, of course, at the national awards in September," Network Ireland President Emma Murphy, added.