17 April 2008
Inventya director in NW business awards
Valerie De Leonibus of Inventya and founder of the Manchester GirlGeek professional network celebrated success in the recent North West Women in Business awards. Valerie was awarded runner-up in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, beating stiff competition from other innovative businesswomen in the region.
The awards - the first of their kind in the region - aim to celebrate the achievements of successful women entrepreneurs and business owners. Set up by the North West Women's Enterprise Forum, its Chair Sylvia Phillips said:
"The inaugural Women in Business Awards were a great success. Female entrepreneurs make an important contribution to the regional economy and it is vital that we create an environment and culture that encourages more women to start and grow businesses. I hope that the event will help to inspire budding female entrepreneurs in the region to realise their ambitions."
It has been estimated that if as many women as men started businesses, the UK would have 150,000 more business startups every year. Valerie said: "I love being an entrepreneur. It gives you the opportunity to make a greater impact on the way things are done and to really introduce change. It is hard work but the rewards are so huge! I want Inventya to play a greater role in encouraging female entrepreneurship and for this we are planning to shortly release solutions specifically designed to support women who want to start their own business. We need more women entrepreneurs!"
Sarah Bevan-Fischer is head of campaigns at Make Your Mark, the UK organisation that helps young people explore enterprise and entrepreneurialism. Make Your Mark sponsored Valerie's award, and Sarah adds:
"The competition for the Young Entrepreneur Award at the North West Women In Business Awards was very fierce and we were delighted that Valerie's efforts were recognised. Valerie is a true inspiration and exactly the type of successful young woman the Make Your Mark Campaign looks for as a positive role models for other young women. Working in such a competitive and male dominated field and making her mark so effectively is something that not only Valerie should be very proud of but all women trying to make their dreams reality in the North West should be proud of too."
Last month Valerie launched the Manchester branch of Girl Geek Dinners, a professional network for women in science and technology-related firms across the region. With branches across the UK, Europe and US the Manchester launch event brought together over 45 women and Valerie is now busy organising more Girl Geek events.
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Contact Valerie de Leonibus on + 44 (0) 845 055 9844
Notes to editors
1. About Inventya
Based in the UK's north-west Inventya is an innovation consultancy providing strategic business services and solutions that helps clients to leverage knowledge, ideas and innovation. Inventya has a successful track record in the delivery of high quality business consultancy and knowledge management for innovation with a range of clients and partners across UK technology, business incubation, investor and IP management sectors.
2. About Girl Geek
The Girl Geek network has grown organically through its members. Begun as an informal way of bringing together women who were interested in technology, the network has spread to several locations across the UK and now has affiliated groups from around the world. Held in bars or restaurants, Girl Geek's emphasis is on the informal and like-minded. The network helps women who work in technical roles or sectors to professionally meet and discuss issues of mutual interest.
14 March 2009
