NOMINATIONS are flooding in for the Devon and Cornwall Venus Awards 2019, in association with NatWest, which held its sparkling Launch Party at Drakes Jewellers, Plymouth.

Guests on the night enjoyed a bespoke talk on diamonds, had the chance to have their jewellery professionally cleaned and Drakes Jewellers even gave away a diamond.

Lucky winner Annabel McCabe from South West Business Connections and 2018 Venus Awards finalist for Networker of the Year was thrilled to receive the £500 solitaire in a beautiful presentation box as part of the glittering night.

Now in its sixth year in the west county, the Venus Awards go from strength to strength in recognising the brightest female business talent in Devon and Cornwall.

Along with the Sponsors of this year’s awards, the event was attended by more than 100 guests from businesses and organisations across the length and breadth of Devon and Cornwall.

Dubbed by Channel 4 as “The Working Women’s Oscars”, the Venus Awards celebrate the vital contribution that women in business make to the regional and national economy. In Devon & Cornwall this year nominees and applicants will be competing in up to fifteen categories including Business of the Year and Marketing and PR Excellence.

The awards are unique in that anyone can nominate a friend, client or family member.

Regional partner, Alexis Bowater of Bowater Communications, said of the launch: “It was a spectacular evening in a wonderful location to launch this year’s awards with one of our amazing new sponsors Drake’s Jewellers hosting the event at their fantastic shop.

"I can’t quite believe their kindness and generosity in giving away a real diamond to reflect their support for women in business. Seeing their range of jewellery, Nomination, on the night of the nominations was a real treat too and our guests had an amazing time. Fizz, fun, great company and diamonds - what more could you want from an evening promoting and celebrating women in business and awards such as these.”

Sponsors for this year’s award categories include NatWest, Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management, Heart FM, Cornish Mutual, Midas, Drake’s Jewellers, Plymouth City Bus, SW Business Connections, Trucksmith and Plymouth Gin.

NatWest is sponsoring the ever popular Business Award that pays homage to the extraordinary local companies that not only support women in the workplace but as working mothers with Plymouth City Bus supporting Employer of the Year and Midas sponsoring Women in Construction and Property.

This year’s charity sponsors are Devon Air Ambulance & Cornwall Air Ambulance who were put forward by Alexis Bowater as this year’s charities.

The Devon and Cornwall Venus Awards 2019 will culminate in a glamorous ceremony and gala dinner in March.

Do you know a woman that deserves recognition? Nominate her now at www.venusawards.co.uk/devon-&-cornwall-2019