Sixteen of the Swansea Bay’s most outstanding women have been judged among the regions best to potentially take home the title of ‘Swansea Bay Woman of the Year‘ in November.

A chocolate brownie producer, recruitment entrepreneur, a Language school owner, and a publican are just some of this year’s finalists for the Swansea Bay Woman of the Year Awards, announced today. These prestigious awards seek to recognise the achievements of women in the region and to promote winners who will be an inspiration to others. 

Claire Goldsworthy, Head of Private Client at John Collins and Partners, main sponsors of the awards, said “Both the quantity and quality of entries received this year has been exceptional.  It proves just how much fantastic work is being undertaken by women across the region." The finalists (in alphabetical order) are as follows: 

Business Award, sponsored by The Business Centre, Swanse

 Anna Bastek, Wolfestone Translation Ltd.

• Anthea Davies, Acorn Chemical Services Ltd.

Sheila Willicombe, Elite Management.

Community Award, sponsored by Carmarthenshire County Council

• Dawn Sawyers, The Special Needs Activity Club, Port Talbot.
• Katie James, Neath Port Talbot Youth Service.
• Trudy Launchbury, Amman Valley Trotting Club.

 Management Award, sponsored by South West Wales Publications

 Debbie Robinson, Derwen Aggregates.

Melanie Jasper, School of Health Science, Swansea University

Sally Hyman, RSPCA Llys Nini. 

Innovation Award, sponsored by University of Wales

Caroline Thraves, Department of Fashion & Textiles, Coleg Sir Gar

 Dawn Lyle, ICreate Ltd.

 Sarah Morgan, Residential Services, Swansea University. 

New Business, sponsored by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Christina Adams & Sophie Turner, @Work Wales Ltd.

Lindsey Vellacott, The Britannia Inn, Gower Ltd.

Kate Jenkins, Gower Cottage Brownies    

The finalists will attend the awards ceremony in November at the Brangwyn Hall, to compete for their category title and for the prestigious overall title of ‘Swansea Bay Woman of the Year 2009’.  The evening held on Friday 27^th November is hosted by Sara Edwards with multi award winning Ruth Jones as the guest speaker.