Founded in 1972, the Bold Woman Awards are named after Madame Clicquot, the pioneering businesswoman who, when widowed at the age of 27, took over her husband’s champagne business in 1805 and transformed it into a global brand. This annual event celebrates women who have made significant contributions to their communities, industries, and the world at large.
Each year, the awards committee selects a group of women for the Bold Woman Award celebrating female entrepreneurship and leadership. Its secondary category, the Bold Future Award, is presented to female founders of organisations established less than five years ago, who are breaking new ground and taking an innovative approach to achieving success.
Barbe-Nicole Clicquot (born Ponsardin) become the first woman to run a champagne business in 1805.
These women are chosen not only for their achievements but also for their courage, perseverance, and commitment to making the world a better place – often in the face of adversity. Nominees for both categories must be able to show tangible evidence of innovation, positive social, ethical and environmental activities.
One of the most inspiring aspects of these awards are the stories of the women who are honoured. Last year’s winner of the Bold Woman Award – Mel Smith, former CEO of Ocado Retail, was recognised for her fearless leadership, steering the brand through unprecedented challenges presented by Covid-19, helping to feed the nation in its time of need. The title for the Bold Future Award 2022 was awarded to Mursal Hedeyat, CEO of Chatterbox, honouring her role in creating a platform that supported displaced people to use their language skills as a means to create and build successful careers in their new home country.
Carole Bildé (CMCO, Veuve Clicquot), Mursal Hedayet (BOLD Future 2022 Winner), Mel Smith (BOLD Woman 2022 Winner) and Alexei Rosin (MD, Moët Hennessy UK).
Each of the honourees have a unique story and a unique set of accomplishments, but they all share a common thread – they have overcome obstacles and achieved success through hard work, determination, and a commitment to their values. As women conquer new heights in all fields, so the standard of the candidates to the Bold Woman and Bold Future Awards get higher and higher. These year’s nominees are:
Bold Woman Award:
Tessa Clarke – CEO & Founder of Olio, a free sharing app combating food and product wastage.
Clare Hornby – CEO & Founder of Me+Em. Women’s designer fashion & luxury clothing.
Louise Hill – Co-founder of Go Henry. Financial technology company, that provides a Visa debit and financial education app for children aged six to 18.
Me+Em was founded by Clare Hornby on three principles: flattering, functional and forever. The direct-to-consumer brand reported last year triple-digit revenue growth.
Bold Future Award:
Karen Scofield Seal – CEO and Founder of Oceanium – Developing innovative, all-natural products from sustainably sourced seaweed.
Victoria Prew – CEO & Founder of HURR – renting over 45,000 designer fashion items online. Victoria was interviewed by our Editor Julia Pasarón in November 2021, whe HURR was starting to pick up tremendous momentum. Read it HERE.
Izzy Obeng – CEO of Foundervine – working to remove the social and economic barriers to innovation.
Victoria Prew, founder of HURR, the leading platform for circular fashion.
The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards are not just a celebration of individual females, they are also a celebration of our power to change the world. This prestigious platform highlights the fact that women have always been at the forefront of social change and innovation, from Madame Clicquot herself to those who are making a difference in their communities and industries today. Moreover, the awards serve as an inspiration to young women who are just starting out in their careers. Showcasing the achievements of successful women provides role models for others to pursue their dreams, believe in their own potential and pave the way for future generations.
More information on the Awards and the 2023 nominees HERE.
Words: Shelley Campbell
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