November 17, 2008 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – Kate Craig-Wood, the founder of UK web host Memset (http://www.memset.com), is a finalist in the NatWest everywoman Awards, which recognize and reward the UK’s “most successful female entrepreneurs, across all ages and sectors”. Ms Craig-Wood’s has been short listed for the Demeter Award, which honors the “most inspiring entrepreneur aged between 26 and 35”. The winners will be announced at a lunch ceremony on December 3 , 2008 at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
Ms. Craig-Wood launched Memset in 2002 and has guided the organization to an annual turnover of £1.2 million ($2.5 million). She has done this by a range of initiatives including making Memset the UK’s first CarbonNeutral ISP in 2006. She has also been active in redressing the balance for females working in the male-dominated IT industry. To do this, she was recently involved in the world’s first skydive over Mount Everest to raise money for Computer Clubs 4 Girls, which aims to attract more girls to the sector, by improving their technology skills.
Ms. Craig-Wood is also a member of the British Computer Society’s Data Center Specialist Group, and recently became the youngest person and third woman to join the board of Intellect UK, an IT, telecoms and electronics trade association, whose members represent roughly 15% of UK GDP. "I hope to use my success as a woman in the IT industry to inspire others and bring about change in an industry with a dire shortage of women," explained Ms. Craig-Wood.
"As a bank we are always looking to help women enjoy the rewards of running their own business and since launching our Women in Business Service we have helped over 18,000 new customers,” explained Amanda Chenery, an ambassador for NatWest Women in Business. “Kate is a great role model and I hope her success encourages others to make their dream of running a business a reality. These awards recognise some of the UK’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs, so getting this far is an incredible achievement in itself. ”
“The quality of the entries this year was truly phenomenal,” explained Karen Gill, co-founder of everywoman. “All of the finalists are shining examples of women who have achieved great success, regardless of what life has thrown at them, and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate their triumphs. We wish them all the best of luck for these awards.”
"IBM shares everywoman’s vision in celebrating the achievements of women and encouraging them to realize their potential. The finalists in this year’s awards are real role models, bringing innovation and inspiration to others by proving the "impossible" can happen and helping to give confidence to other young women starting on the same journey,” added Helen Cook, Leader UK Women's Leadership Team, IBM.
