Venus Awards Devon choose 2014 charity

The Natwest Venus Awards in Devon have chosen children’s charity CHICKS as their charity of the year for 2014.

The Tavistock-based organisation provides free, week long respite breaks for disadvantaged children from across the UK, who would not otherwise have time away from their difficult lives. 

The children they support come from a variety of backgrounds – those living in poverty, children that are being neglected or abused, either mentally, physically or sexually, children who have lost parents or even children who are full time young carers.

Kathryn Hames, Corporate Partnerships Manager of CHICKS, says: “We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the Devon Venus charity partner this year and are really looking forward to their annual Awards night in November.

“CHICKS provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children from Devon and across the UK. The children CHICKS support come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have been abused, live in poverty, or have been neglected.  Others live in care or are themselves young carers, often bearing the extraordinary responsibility of caring for disabled or terminally ill relatives.

“What they have in common is the desperate need to create some positive childhood memories, to be listened to, and to have the kind of fun that all children deserve. Support from the Devon Venus Awards will help us raise much needed funds and awareness of our work”

The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into 15 categories covering all aspects of business and personal achievement.

So far this year more than 2,000 women have been nominated for the awards in the county. The public vote for some of the categories begins next month and the finals will be held at a glittering awards ceremony at the University of Exeter’ s Great Hall in November.

The categories for the Venus Awards this year, which are sponsored by female friendly local businesses, are:

NatWest - Small Business of the Year – for a business with less than 12 employees

HeartFM – Business Mother of the Year – for working mothers

The Exeter Daily – Employee of the Year – for women employed by men or women

Bishop Fleming – Entrepreneur of the Year – for a woman that is prepared to takes risks in business

Sandler Training - Employer of the Year – For male or female managers that look after their female employees.

Western Morning News - Inspirational Woman – A woman that indulges in selfless support of others or has overcome adversity.

Stones Solicitors LLP - New Business – for business less than 2 years old

Sampson Hall – Business of the Year – for a business with more than 12 employees

Leading Women UK – Influential Woman – for someone who motivates others and makes a difference.

Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management - High Achiever – for the woman that has broken through the corporate glass ceiling.

Green Business – for businesses with some green initiatives.

Home Based Business – For businesses run from home.

New Media and Online Business – Excelling in social media with 50%+ business online. Plymouth Science Park sponsors.

Customer Service Award – For the individual or business that goes that extra mile.

Lifetime achievement award – A lady over 35 who has been successful for many years.