Pupils at Bournemouth Collegiate School discovered what it takes to succeed in business as they stepped into the judges’ shoes for the Dorset Venus Awards.
Girls aged 11-18 at BCS evaluated over 200 entries for the Business Mother of the Year Award, sponsored by BCS, and whittled it down to a competitive shortlist of just 10 which then went out to a public vote. The public vote revealed the three 2018 finalists; Kate Cadbury, Emma Lynch and Danielle Manton-Kelly.
The Business Mother of the Year Award highlights and rewards women who successfully juggle business and family life.
BCS pupils judged each application on its merits while gaining an insight into the skills required to run a business. The process included ‘face the camera’ video entries sent by entrants to choose ten semi-finalists.
Founder of Wedding Crècherz Danielle Manton-Kelly said: “Knowing that the finalists were judged not only by the public, but by girls of all ages studying at BCS is truly humbling and I feel so honoured to have been selected by a group of young women that represent the business mothers of tomorrow.”
Emma Lynch, Owner of BBD Boom adds: “This is made even more special knowing that it was the pupils of BCS who selected me as a semi-finalist following their viewing of my entry video. I have young daughters myself, who I aim to inspire and motivate every day, so hopefully what I said inspired the pupils too. I’m looking forward to discussing this more with them.”
Final judging of the sought-after award to reveal the winner returns to the BCS pupils who will be interviewing the business mothers face to face.
Kate Cadbury is a duathlete, a physiotherapist and the owner of a Pilates business. Kate explains: “It’s been so great that the pupils of Bournemouth Collegiate School have been involved in the selection process. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to have an insight into how mums can be successful in work as well as have a happy family life. I’m excited to be interviewed by the pupils, it will be so great to meet them all.”
Headmaster of BCS Russell Slatford said: “It’s brilliant to get the pupils involved with our category sponsorship of the Venus Awards, it helps them to learn about business and appreciate the hard work and success working mothers achieve. The students were very tough judges and really got involved, questioning each application.”
The winner of the Business Mother of the Year Award will be announced at the Venus Awards finals on 23rd November.