Inspirational achievers from Kenilworth are among the finalists named in the fourth Ladies First Network Business Awards, being held next month.

Entrants from 25 categories have been selected from more than 270 nominations by a panel of 18 judges from across the UK at a special event in Coventry on Monday.

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by BBC radio presenter Sandra Godley, on March 24 at Coombe Abbey.

The awards, which returns to a live event following the pandemic, will also raise money for two West Midlands charities, St Basils and Suited For Success.

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills and increase opportunities.

Established in Birmingham, the charity now has 42 accommodation projects across the West Midlands, including Leamington, Coventry, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall, Bromsgrove, Redditch and Kidderminster.

Established in 2016, award-winning charity Suited For Success helps unemployed men and women in Warwickshire and the West Midlands prepare for a job interview by providing free coaching, employment preparation skills and interview clothing.

The new categories introduced this year are: Excellence in Health & Wellbeing, Digital Star, Man of the Year, Employer of the Year, Excellence in Education, Achieves in Marketing, Family Business, Service Provider of the Year and International Award – attracting entries from as far afield as Australia and South Africa.

Young people are also in sharper focus at this year's awards which champion Young Entrepreneur and Inspirational Young Achiever.

Awards organiser and Ladies First Network Leader, Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common, said: "Interview Day was a fabulous occasion.

"It never ceases to amaze me just how many talented and inspirational people I get to meet – this year starting at just 10 years old, our youngest ever nomination.

"Also, some remarkable women in business and inspirational lives, some incredible family businesses including a third generation business, husband and wife teams, an over 50's all-female punk band and not forgetting a micro pigs business! – So many achievements to celebrate."

For further information about the awards visit the website here.

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Tracey McAtamney at: [email protected]

Kenilworth finalists:

Achieves for the Community

Marie Crowder Shona Wallace Megan Lee – Nicola Smyth Academy, Leamington/Warwick/Kenilworth

Service Provider of the Year

Julie Garner – CBD Skindeep, Kenilworth

Family Business of the Year

Gina & Ian Reinge -The Reinge Clinic, Kenilworth

The full list of finalists can be found here.