Drapers joins new women in retail awards

Drapers is teaming up with business resource group Everywoman for the first Everywoman Retail Awards 2008, which are now open for entries.

Everywoman, which specialises in supporting women in business, conceived the awards to recognise women at the top of the industry and to encourage more women to consider retail as a career. It says 60% of the three million employees in retail are women, but less than 5% of chief executives are female.

"Women dominate certain areas, such as fashion, yet few are aware of the options available to them or aspire to climb the ladder," said Everywoman co-founder Maxine Benson.

Judges include Aquascutum chief executive Kim Winser and Fortnum & Mason managing director Beverley Aspinall. The nine awards will be presented on September 30 at The Marriott Hotel in London's Grosvenor Square. See www.everywoman.com for details.