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We spoke to Roma Bhowmick, from Business 360 LTD, who shares her experience of being an awards judge and the background behind her business.

What is the background behind your business?

I am a business strategy coach, which involves me working with business owners to help them achieve the goals that they have in mind and start to grow their business.

I have a large amount of experience supporting business growth strategies, which started 26 years ago working in London for a Blue chip service-based organisation. In 2001, I moved into the technology sector, where my partners and I delivered innovative technology solutions.

After a couple of years running this business successfully, I sold my half of the business to my business partner. Since then, I have spent the last 15 years consulting and coaching SME business owners and their teams to support their growth strategies both as a Growth Coach under the Government funded Growth Accelerator Scheme and as a Consultant working in her own consultancy-based business.

I lecture part-time at The University of Hertfordshire Business School, in strategy and particularly on their MBA program. These lectures help entrepreneurs and business owners move their businesses forward.
The rest of the time, I work with clients. I’m particularly interested in female-owned businesses, as I am a woman myself, and I know what it’s like to run your own business and some of the trials and tribulations that come with it.

What do you love about being a judge at the awards?

Every year, I am surprised and amazed by how innovative, and creative businesses are. Over the past 9 years of judging at the awards, there are new and exciting businesses to look at every year.

I think it’s wonderful to see the excitement and enthusiasm that comes through in people’s entries and see their passion for their businesses.

Secondly, it’s very exciting to see higher amounts of younger female entrepreneurs coming through.

What do you look for as a judge for the Best Business Women Awards?

I think it’s really important that businesses can showcase their successes. To be able to shout about why they’re so good at what they do and to show off why your customers think you’re so good at what you do.

As a strategist, I am very fascinated by the story behind their businesses.

What was the motivation behind their business?

Where are they going with their business?

And what the future holds for their business.

Especially in recent times, with the struggle of COVID-19 affecting many businesses, it’s fantastic to see how smaller businesses have adapted and continued to grow through such a challenging time.

Why would you recommend entering these awards?

These awards really do help women to celebrate success like no other business awards. They shine a light on the work of female entrepreneurs which is so important. In particular I love the fact that all finalists are recognised, not just category winners. We do not shortlist everyone therefore anyone who gains a place at the final should be rewarded for their hard work and effort. 

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The Book Midwife® is a book coaching company founded in 2002 by multi-award-winning entrepreneur Mindy Gibbins-Klein. Since its inception, the company has helped over one thousand experts plan, write and publish great books fast!

The philosophy of the company is that “Every book deserves to be written and published”. Having spent ten years trying to write and publish her first book, Mindy created a process to help aspiring authors get their books done better and faster, and with more clarity and confidence.

The Book Midwife® is specifically reaching out to people from traditionally under-represented groups to create more diversity, equality and inclusion on our bookshelves.

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Banya Family Placement Agency

Banya Family Placement Agency is an independent foster agency.

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Visit the website – Who Can Foster?

Plain Talking HR

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Led by Bina Briggs, who holds a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification and has extensive experience across various industries, Plain Talking HR is committed to delivering practical and pragmatic HR solutions. Their approach ensures that businesses remain compliant with employment laws while fostering positive employee relations and a productive work environment.

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Academy for Women Entrepreneurs

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Founded by Ceylan, AWE delivers real impact—its active members experience an average income growth of 88% within 12 months (Impact Survey 2022) and achieve both their business and life goals through strategic planning and business education.

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