Anya's Nomination

Anya's Nomination

DESIGNER Anya Hindmarch has been shortlisted for this year's Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award, alongside investment company CEO Helena Morrissey and chef and owner of The River Café Ruth Rogers.

"It is a great honour to be a Veuve Clicquot finalist," Hindmarch  told us today. "Clearly the veuve herself was a strong woman [the house is named after the widow, veuve in French, who took control of the company following her husband's death in 1805] and therefore to be a finalist in her name is a great honour."

Now in its 40th year, the Award - judged by an esteemed panel including Vogue publisher Stephen Quinn and Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne - celebrates female entrepreneurship and business success across sectors ranging from finance to fashion.Also a government advisor and a British Fashion Council director, Hindmarch - who founded her eponymous handbag label when she was just 18 and oversaw its growth to a global concern - has stiff competition from her fellow nominees despite her strong business credentials. CEO Morrisey, who is also a mother of nine, established the 30 Per Cent Club to attempt to increase the number of women in Britain's boardrooms; whilst Rogers has found time to write 11 books whilst running the world-renowned restaurant.

Past winners include Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop; and Linda Bennett, founder and MD of one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite labels, LK Bennett. The winner of this year's prize will be announced at a Champagne reception at Claridge's on April 18.