Entries galore for People 1st top 100 women in hospitality listing

Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett (pictured), CH&Co boss Robyn Jones OBE and BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim are among the 200 entries so far received for the inaugural Women 1st Top 100 Most Influential Women listing and the 2011 Shine Awards.

The Top 100, which aims to celebrate the best in female achievement in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sectors (HLTT), and the Shine Awards were launched by sector skills council People 1st.

Robyn Jones OBE, co-founder and chief executive of CH&Co said that to be nominated for the Top 100 is an honour in itself.

"There are so many strong women within the industry today and it is great to have an opportunity to reward and acknowledge their input," she added. "I truly believe that men and women bring different things to the table and that the female perspective has proved invaluable in many organisations throughout the industry."

Natalie Bickford, Women 1st chair and Sodexo HR director, said: "It is paramount that we as an industry develop and retain the best talent - whether male or female.

"Showcasing women who have worked hard to achieve their career aspirations in our amazing industry will hopefully inspire countless others to emulate that success."

In a recent survey, Women 1st found that whilst females make up nearly 60% of the industry's workforce, only 6% are in senior board and director level positions.

Nominations can be made at www.people1st.co.uk/top100 and the deadline for submissions is 18 February. The newly refurbished Savoy hotel will host the ceremony and unveiling of the Top 100 on 31 March.

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By Janie Stamford

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