Rising Star
The first presentation of the 2014 Women in Business Awards evening was a first for everyone
This was a brand-new ’Rising Star’ award category open to women, aged 30 and under, who have made their mark as “women in business to watch“ – potential leaders, those just starting in business, or quickly rising through the corporate ranks.
Judging was led by Barclays, and Ian Workman, Barclays Corporate head of south region, presented the award to:
WINNER: Annette March of White Garden Florists.
March started floristry as an eager teenager, helping a teacher who arranged flowers for Windsor Castle. She gained a level five national City & Guilds certificate along with UK Skills vocational training and business advice for floristry, working while she studied to gather practical experience at the same time.
Having opened her first shop at the age of 23 in Henley in January 2013, March now has a studio in Ascot and is due to open a second shop in Ascot High Street. She is innovative, hardworking and passionate about flowers and her shops provide a diverse range of flowers and homewares.
Alongside her retail offering, March has built a fantastic client-base of private clients, hotels, and wedding contacts. She has also tapped into the tourist market in Henley, providing flowers for boat services and exhibitors at Henley Regatta. All this, combined with extremely hard and conscientious work, with very early mornings at the Covent Garden flower market and deliveries to customers into the evenings.
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Annette March receiving her award from Ian Workman, of awards sponsor Barclays, and Dame Stephanie Shirley
Interviewed after receiving her award, Annette March spoke about the value of her teacher and father as mentors within her career: “Without mentors I wouldn’t be here. I would like to really thank all those people who made this possible within the two years. Owning a business has been a reality check to be honest, hard work, but completely worth it and exciting every step of the way.
“This award means a huge amount because it shows my potential. This is the start of my business career and hopefully I will be able to give something back through mentoring to younger people than me; those at
16 starting to choose their options and thinking about their futures, so they can be in a position to run their own business too in a few years time.“
And where will the winner’s trophy take pride of place – in her Ascot or Henley florist premises? “It’s not ever going to leave my hands,“ said an excited March.
The other category finalists were: Safia Bhutta, Andante Travels Jasmine Brook, Wellers Katie Dallimore-Fox, EY Charlotte Pickering, KiddyUP
Finalists received commemorative Women in Business Award certificates from Dame Stephanie Shirley. Their career profiles can be viewed by downloading the Women in Business 2014 event programme pdf at:
www.businessmag.co.uk
Finalists from second left, Jasmine Brook, Safia Bhutta, Charlotte Pickering, Katie Dallimore-Fox with Nadine Dereza and Dame Stephanie Shirley
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – OCTOBER 2014
www.businessmag.co.uk
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