Deb Markham wins Bedfordshire Business Woman of the Year 2011

Deb Markham, Director of The Product Marketing Company, Shefford was given the highly sought after Bedfordshire Business Woman of the Year 2011 award at the annual  Bedfordshire Business Women’s awards 2011 held at Bedford Rugby Club. The panel of judges consisted of Ian Cording from The Small Business Federation, Ian Pryce from Bedford College and Sam Pirani from Johnson Press.  They were particularly impressed with the way Deb Markham is able to relate to her clients often going above what is required in order to deliver the best possible solution and the business growth achieved in a short space of time.

The Award ceremony was hosted by Bedfordshire Business Women (BBW) and was founded in 1988.  It is a not-for-profit networking organisation for women who live and/or have business interests in the county.  The organisation, which is the longest running business women only organisation in the country, aims to:

  • help women get ahead in business;
  • promote the business interests of women in the county;
  • support and encourage the development of women in business;
  • facilitate business dealings and partnerships between members;
  • provide an opportunity for members to meet like-minded professionals, and share experiences and ideas.

The inimitable Kerry Cash, of 5th Avenue Spa has been the organisation’s President since October and in the short time she has been at the helm, this energetic and enthusiastic lady has made a big impression.  It is clear that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with and had gathered over 200 guests from the local business community for this exciting networking lunch.

Lara Morgan, entrepreneur extraordinaire was the inspiring guest speaker at the awards lunch who urged the members to be ‘less British’ in their approach, to ‘be brave’ and to ‘give a toss’.  Lara has come a long way since she was BBW Award winner in 1994, and sold her company Pacific Direct in 2008 for £20 million. As she signed her book entitled ‘More Balls Than Most’ it was clear that she too is a force to be reckoned with.

“This award means a great deal to me,” said Deb.  “From The Product Marketing Company’s humble beginnings 3 years ago – a cabin in my garden - I am proud to now run a Creative Studio with 5 employed staff, serving a range of clients in a number of industries.  It is truly incredible to receive recognition for what I have achieved.   While, in my capacity as a Marketer I appreciate all the great PR opportunities this award will bring, in my capacity as a Bedfordshire Business Woman, I am simply honoured and delighted to be 2011’s recipient.” Deb Markham, BBW Business Woman of the Year 2011.

The BBW 2011 awards were awarded by sponsors and judges as follows:

Bedfordshire Business Woman of the Year 2011 

Winner - Deb Markham – The Product Marketing Company

Finalist - Michelle Allen - Allen Creative Ltd

Self employed or Ltd Company 

Winner - Camille Stevens – Bedford 5 * Fitness Camps

Finalist - Gillian Ormston - Intelligent Awakenings 

Working within a Community Organisation 

Winner - Paula Priestly – St Johns Hospice

Finalist - Barbara Farrow - Keech Hospice

Finalist - Zara Armstrong - CAN Bedford

Woman Employee of the Year 

Winner - Gina Bubbins – Bedford College

Finalist - Dawn Walton BSG Property Services Ltd

Young Achiever 

Winner - Vicky Alder – KSK Accountants

Finalist - Sophie Stock - The Embankment