Woman Business Owner of the Year
These are entrepreneurial women who have founded and run their own company; shown exceptional abilities in mentoring other women; and/or helped their business achieve significant results in the past year
Winner • Barinder Hothi, The Knowledge Academy
Winner
Hothi set up The Knowledge Academy in 2009 at a time of high unemployment, and used the challenging times to her advantage to offer training and development opportunities. Starting from a one- person office, the company now employs 250 people and is tracking towards a £30-million turnover this year. Over the years, Hothi and her husband have built a thriving business that operates globally with an extensive portfolio of clients.
What the judges said
Barclays led the judging for this award and the head of business and corporate banking for Heathrow, West London & Guildford, Jagdeep Rai, explained that the winner impressed with her solid values and high levels of integrity.
Jagdeep Rai (left) and Michelle Mone (right) with Winner Barinder Hothi
“A big believer in the value women can bring to the workplace, Barinder mentors a number of women within her business. She also does a lot of work with young adults in schools and universities, offering taster days for local school children as well as supporting degree programmes with Dragon’s Den-type activities.
“She is a high achiever who clearly takes people with her on the journey to success.”
On accepting the award Role Models
Pointing to The Knowledge Academy’s table, Hothi congratulated her team and thanked them for the achievement. “We’re very proud of this award – especially as we’ve got such a young team.
“We’re a real believer in bringing on new talent and offering people their first opportunity to work in an office environment, so for us this award is about being brave and investing in people.”
Role models and what the judges said • Freya Derrick, Hopscotch Day Nurseries
“Freya’s senior management team is almost exclusively made up of women who have grown with the business, starting in junior roles and working their way up. She was chosen for her inspiring and caring attitude.”
• Nicola Hartland, Xcel Sales
Jagdeep Rai (left) and Michelle Mone (right) with ‘Role Models’ Nicola Hartland, Renee Watson and Freya Derrick
Finalists
• Laura Davis, Reality HR • Susanne Thompson, Security Watchdog
“Nicola has taken the traditional model of sales lead generation and made it more professional, more human and ultimately more successful. She was chosen specifically for her inspiring and flexible leadership.”
• Renee Watson, WATS.ON
“Renee was chosen for her passion for improving access to science for all children. Her company plays an important role in bridging the gap between school and home learning, and inspires children, especially young girls, to become interested in science.”
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2016
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