Local Photographer Rubs Shoulders With World Class Peers
Local travel and landscape photographer Deborah Benbrook has recently had her work accepted by TPOTY (Travel Photographer of the Year) website. Her work now sits alongside famous travel photographers in the showcase section - an international gallery and directory of the very best travel photographers from around the world.
Since the age of 14, Deborah enjoyed photography as a hobby. However, leaving the field of banking two years ago in search of a new career path provided her with the ideal opportunity to turn her leisure pursuit into a full-time business. Deborah said:“I am privileged for my work to sit alongside world class photographers on such an acclaimed website. I am thrilled that my work was chosen over so many other talented artists and proud to be working in such a thriving cultural city as Leeds.
“My work has taken me to some unbelievable places in the world, and I hope that my work captures some of that drama”. Deborah Benbrook Photography supplies quality, unique and original photo art for the office and the home.
Good News
Just to let you all know what a successful organisation Forward Ladies is and how we are all doing business with each other. Please email Anne with your good news stories here - whether you have set up a business deal with another Forward Lady, or whether you have had some good news in your own business and want to shout about it!
MAGNITUDE PICK UP TWO AWARDS AT NEW YORK’S ONLINE OSCARS
Magnitude has picked up two awards at the internet’s equivalent to the Oscars – The Webbys.The online marketing specialists won awards in both the Best Restaurant Website and The People’s Voice categories for their work carried out for global restaurant chain Wagamama.
The glittering ceremony which took place at New York’s Cipriani Wall St. was attended by some of the world’s most powerful online organisations including Yahoo, YouTube and Facebook.
Now in their twelfth year the Webby Awards are renowned for limiting winners to a five word acceptance speech. Jude Lynskey, Senior Account Manager at Magnitude received a grand applause with her five words, “Long reign the bloody internet”.
Other winners at the Webbys included musician Will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas who received the Artist of the Year award in recognition of his contribution to the political landscape with his making of the Obama videos.Talking Heads singer-songwriter David Byrne was also honoured for a Lifetime Achievement in technology in the arts and the internet.
Jude Lynskey from Magnitude said, “It has been a huge honour to be recognised amongst the digital industry’s elite and further proof that you need look no further for quality design and development than the UK (and Yorkshire!)”
Honouring excellence on the internet, the Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 550-strong body whose members include Richard Branson, Simpsons creator Matt Groening, musician David Bowie and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
Forward Ladies member, Lisa Kendrick’s company, Liquid Accounts, has won the award for Best Application of An Internet Technology at the Insider Yorkshire Digital Awards 2008. The online business software provider, which specialises in easy-to-use, jargon-free accounting software, has just celebrated its 3rd birthday and beat 4 other shortlisted Yorkshire technology firms, including Yorkshire Building Society to the prize. Lisa’s company was also shortlisted in the Category for Best Digital Start-Up alongside 2 York-based technology companies.
Insider Editor, Peter Baber said: ‘Liquid Accounts online accounting software really impressed the judges with its ease of use. They deserved to win!’
The award was presented at an Oscar-style ceremony in the Savile Suite at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. More than 160 companies had entered the competition which was judged by a respected panel of industry peers.
Lisa says, ‘We hope this if the first of many awards. We are starting to get nationwide recognition for our software as well as local and have been shortlisted for the forthcoming Biz Awards (organised by Bradford Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Business Enterprise Fund, Business Link, Leeds LEGI, Doncaster LEGI, Key Fund Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward), and are in the running for the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards and AccountingWeb’s Software Satisfaction Awards – so watch this space!’
Lisa, together with MD, Matt Holmes, also featured in a short film celebrating Yorkshire’s growing Digital Industry, which was shown at the ceremony. The film was commissioned by Yorkshire Forward and Screen Yorkshire.
MILLINER CREATES A SIMPLY DEVINE CHOCOLATE EASTER BONNET!
SimplyDevine celebrated its 4thbirthday at Easter, and to celebrate Joy Devine has created a hat with a difference …… an Easter bonnet made from chocolate.
Joy created the Easter bonnet with chocolate kindly supplied by fellow Forward Lady Nichola Davies of Choco Choo Choo and all other edible bits and pieces from Celebration Cakes of Tadcaster. Said Joy: “I’ve never made a hat from chocolate before, so it was a project to test my abilities. It got a bit messy and I’m glad I made it in the kitchen and not in my workroom.” To mark the company’s 4th birthday, Simply Devine hosted an Easter-themed party at the Simply Devine boutique at 83 York Road, Tadcaster. Special guest, First Ever Forward Lady Etta Cohen, supported by a host of Forward Ladies, along with a number of Joy’s regular customers.
During the party guests had the opportunity to purchase from the Simply Devine emporium and a percentage of all sales to be donated to a Forward Ladies recommended charity, and Joy chose Martin House because of its close proximity to the Simply Devine boutique. “We’ve had some "egg-citing" times since Simply Devine evolved, it’s given me a new lease of life” says Joy.
“Our website allows us to send our stock worldwide. We’ve supplied Christina Aguilera a hat, and we regularly get customers popping inwhilst their helicopters wait for them.”
Simply Devine will be offering shoppers a late night on Thursdays commencing April 2008 due to customer demand. Alternatively pop into the Simply Devine boutique (check website for opening times), or book a private shopping experience for friends and family. Tel: Joy, 01937 836068.
Winner of our Meet Ronan Keating Evening Elaine Hanzak tells us: "Well what a fantastic evening! I drove in freezing temperatures over from Chester to Sheffield to see ‘Art on Ice’. I had gone by myself as tickets were scarce but then was disappointed to find four empty seats next to me! I did chat to three others Forward Ladies and settled down to the show but I confess the first half couldn’t go fast enough! Why? Because I was the lucky one who had been picked out to meet Ronan backstage at the interval!
I was well looked after by the staff who had contacted me several times about where I should go for the ‘Meet and Greet’. A lovely chap called John, who I later found out is the ‘main man’ behind the ‘Art on Ice’ show, took me down to the appropriate door. Within minutes Ronan appeared. Several people commented that he looked small! But as he walked up to us and said ‘Hello, how ares you?’ in that lovely Irish accent - he seemed to grow in stature!
We were told to line up and Ronan came to us one by one, shook hands, signed a variety of things offered to him, posed for a photo and moved on – all in a matter of seconds! I was amazed when I realised I was actually shaking as I took photos of other people! The lady behind me was also on her own so we agreed to take photos of each other.
One of my aims to help ladies through postnatal illness is to ask pop stars for permission to include meaningful songs on a CD to help them – the proceeds would go to help run support groups. In my presentations I often quote ‘Life is a Rollercoaster’ and have reduced people to tears with Ronan’s song ‘Somebody Else’. I wanted him to know, so I had written him a letter explaining my campaign, etc. and asking if he would let us use these songs. As he came to me I thanked him for the pleasure his music gives and told him I would love him to know how I use it – and would he do me the honour of reading my letter, which I handed to him! He said he would, posed and moved on!!!
The Definitive Job Book - Rules from Recruitment Insiders
Going for a job interview and you want to wow, dazzle and impress? "The Definitive Job Book - Rules from Recruitment Insiders" by Anne Watson, is the book that gives you all you need to know to steer you through the job hunting and interviewing process. Published by Capstone Wiley, it is available on Amazon and in book shops. If you would like a free limited edition bookmark, e- mail Anne here with your name and address. A Forward Lady, Anne has worked in recruitment for more than 25 years and this book draws on her experiences, good and bad, to help people ranging from graduates who are just setting out on their careers up to Chief Executives. The You tube link here probably appeals to the younger audience!
Sarah Shafi from RUDE Ltd writes; "We were asked by the BBC to provide them with all the tool belts for the new television reality show series of BBC Celebrity Scissorhands which was part of the BBC Children in Need Appeal. We donated all the belts to the show to help raise money for the charity, whilst hopefully enjoying some of the exposure it will give us. We were also asked to create a special Gold Classic tool belt as a prize for the winning celebrity contestant. "We have had an AMAZING exhibition in London at Salon International. We launched our exclusive Limited Edition 2008 Collection of The Gothic and The Python and we totally sold out! Within minutes we were snapped up by celebrity hairdressers who were swaggering around wearing on various stages infront of the cameras and huge crowds and our belts became the talk of the show. Hurrah! "
Terry Anne presented another successful Laughter Workshop at the Hull Comedy Festival. She has appeared on BBC Look North and the BBC Big Screen Hull, with her famous belly laughs. Learn the benefits of laughter and know how to Laugh It Up in all areas of your life. What a fantastic year it’s been for Terry! Media attention so far includes: BBC 1 Look North, Radio Sheffield, Radio York, Minster FM, BBC Radio Humberside, Radio Insight Glasgow, Talk 107 Edinburgh (for the Edinburgh Festival) and BBC Big Screen Hull, and others, plus Yorkshire Post, York Evening Press and Hull Daily Mail. Laughter … Is portable...Boosts the immune system.. Lowers blood pressure...Relieves pain..Is caffeine and fat free...And much much more…… She has also delivered recently for Sue Ryder Care Fundraising at their annual conference.
Gail Carter organised my comedy event venue for me (having met on the Cyprus trip).
Question: Where would I be without Forward Ladies? Answer: At home sad and lonely instead of out in the big wide world "Having a Laugh" Ha ha ha ha ha. Contact Terry for further information on 01904 750880 or 01904 449551.
Life Clubs are coming to Ossett and are aimed at anyone seeking more from their life – it’s a concept that’s growing quickly across the UK. The Ossett group, led by Bev Madden, will meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7.15pm at the Christ Church Parish Centre, Vicar Lane, and has a different theme each week. Members learning how to set personal goals; increase their confidence and think differently about their life so that they can then make successful changes to lead a more fulfilled and balanced life.
Bev Madden said,“Being in a group can be very supportive and you have the benefits of meeting new, like-minded people. We offer a rolling programme, so you can start any week you want. By giving you practical tools and constant encouragement, Life Clubs will inspire you step by step to fulfill your potential and realise your dreams”.
Sessions cost £15 a week, or you can pay £120 in advance for 10 sessions and get the 9th & 10th ones free. Or for an even better saving: *Buy 10 workshops on your first visit for only £105*
Forward Ladies discount: If you present your Forward Ladies membership card you will be entitled to a session for just ten pounds.
For those who cannot make it to Ossett, Bev offers tailored workshops for you and a minimum of ten friends & family in the convenience of your home or place of work. Please contact Bev Madden on 0779 9590371, bev.madden@lifeclubshosts.com or visit our website www.lifeclubs.co.uk.
Etta meets Raymond Blanc
Etta met the gorgeous Raymond Blanc at the opening of his new restaurant in Leeds.
Our very own Anne Crowther was shortlisted in the Freelancer of the Year competition, organised by Xchangeteam. Anne works as a freelance PR consultant and communicator for a number of organisations, including Forward Ladies, 02 and Batley Frontier club. She was nominated by clients for her work with Forward Ladies, Leeds Grammar School and the Frontier. Sadly she didn't win - the prizes all seemed to go to people who did freelance work for the BBC! In the meantime Anne has just been awarded new contracts with the Government News Network on behalf of the Royal College of Defence Studies, and a swish new cafe bar in Leeds, Primo. Xchangeteam specialises in recruiting freelance and interim management positions.
HMA shortlisted for award
It’s not often a digital marketing agency has the opportunity to go head to head with a premiership team but did HMA did just that!
The company were nominated and short listed for a national FRESH Digital Award for their work with The Cornerhouse and competed against Manchester United’s marketing team for the award. Sadly they didn't score that winning goal, but Rob Hill Managing Director said: "The Fresh Digital Awards are a real benchmark for digital excellence and are in association with some well respected names including Yahoo and Media Week." (submitted by Diane Hill).
The Wrapit Wedding Industry Awards announced the finalists for the North region. And Forward Lady Fiona Pickles is the finalist in the florist category. The event took place at Wrapit's Manchester showroom, sponsored by Condé Nast Brides and Wedgwood, in association with The National Wedding Show. The awards are designed to find the best wedding suppliers in the country. Selection is based on feedback from their customers. There were three Regional Awards ceremonies, in Manchester, Birmingham, and London and finalists were invited to the glamorous National Awards Ceremony in London at Claridge's.