Carole Nash shortlisted for the UK's most prestigious business womens award

Carole Nash, founder and executive chair of the UK's market-leading motorcycle insurance specialist, has today been named among a nationwide shortlist of five for The Veuve Clicquot Award Business Woman of the Year.

Undoubtedly the most prestigious UK business award for women, the Veuve Clicquot title has a long track record for identifying and acknowledging the success of high-flying female entrepreneurs. Past winners include Anita Roddick (Body Shop), Barbara Cassani (Go Fly), Ann Gloag (Stagecoach Holdings) Nicola Foulston (Brands Hatch Leisure) and Anne Wood (Ragdoll Productions). Carole will be hoping to inherit the title from 2004 winner, Linda Bennett, founder and managing director of the 45-store footwear and fashion chain, LK Bennett.

“It’s a great honour just to reach the shortlist " commented Altrincham-based Carole, “so winning it would really be the icing on the cake. I’m delighted not just for myself but my superb management team and hardworking staff who have helped make Carole Nash such a dynamic, successful and fun business.”

Applauding the success of the shortlisted business women John West, Veuve Clicquot's brand director, underlining the importance of the award, stated: "The Veuve Clicquot Award is inspired by the accomplishments of Madame Clicquot, the first great business woman. This year's finalists all share her bold approach, having dared to create their own successful businesses in a diverse range of sectors. They join a 32 year long line of extraordinary business women, and we are delighted to celebrate their achievements."

Carole’s success in reaching the final follows her company’s phenomenal success. She founded the company in 1985 with no more than a £2,500 redundancy cheque, a dining room table and a passion for serving vintage motorcyclists who were covered under a small scheme she inherited from her former employers. Her company is the UK’s market-leading modern, classic and vintage motorcycle insurance specialist, the country’s largest independent motorcycle security fitter, a major player in the classic car insurance market and has recently moved into the mainstream car and household sectors.

As well as its Altrincham headquarters, it has a motorcycle Service and Repair Centre and dedicated Training Centre in the town, plus offices in Dublin, which were opened in 1999 by bike loving pop star, Ronan Keating. Due to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year, Carole Nash has captured around 25% of the UK motorcycle insurance market, employs nearly 400 staff and generates an annual income of over £70m.

Joining Carole on the shortlist are Chey Garland, Chief Executive, Garlands Call Centres;
Lara Morgan, Managing Director of Pacific Direct; Sarah Tremellen, Chief Executive, Bravissimo; and Elizabeth Wagstaff, chief executive, Robinia Care Group. The winner will be announced on Thursday April 28th at London’s Claridges where the award will be presented by TV war correspondent and author, Michael Buerk.

For further details of The Veuve Clicquot Award Business Woman of the Year, visit www.veuveclicquotaward.com