Business owner is named amongst UK’s top female entrepreneurs

Diane Park, who owns Main Street independent bookshop Wave of Nostalgia, has received a silver accolade in the Best Businesswomen Awards.

She was presented with the award, in the Best Business category, at a gala evening held at the Hilton London Syon Park.

“It was an incredible feeling to come away from such a prestigious awards ceremony with a top award – especially one open to so many brilliant female entrepreneurs from all business sectors across the whole of the UK,” says Diane.

“It has been a fantastic year so far for my business, and this latest accolade really gives us a fabulous boost coming up to the busiest and most important time of the year for many small businesses.”

Debbie Gilbert, organiser of the Best Businesswomen Awards, pays tribute to all the winners.

She says: “This is the tenth year of the awards, and since we launched we’ve recognised over 1,000 women – across a huge range of industry sectors – who are making a real impact. We are the largest and most prestigious women in business awards in the UK.

“The selection process is rigorous, and to be one of our winners is a major achievement.

“Judges make their selections based on business expertise, innovation and high levels of customer care.

“The business world is full of talented, tenacious and dedicated female entrepreneurs who not only run successful businesses but, in many cases, also juggle the needs of their families.

“Our winners are shining examples of outstanding entrepreneurs who have proved their success to our judging panel of industry experts and have shown they’re worthy of being recognised and rewarded.

“Despite a challenging economic climate, the innovation, flair and passion of female entrepreneurs shone through. All winners demonstrated their business acumen, tenacity and courage.”

The accolade is the latest in a series for Wave of Nostalgia.

In March it was named north of England Independent Bookshop of the Year.

More than 70 finalists vied for regional and country accolades in the awards scheme, organised by The Bookseller.

And that honour came just months after Wave of Nostalgia was listed as one of the top ten independent bookshops UK-wide.