There were four awards this year: O2 WMBusinesswoman of the Year Award; Accenture WMBig Idea Award; HP WMB Entrepreneur of the Year Award and WMB Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The day-long event included some unique speakers to motivate and inspire Ireland’s businesswomen including Founder of Coffee Republic, Sahar Hashemi; Entrepreneur and Irish Dragon Sarah Newman; Michael O’Doherty, Co-founder of Plexus Bio-Energy.

Danuta Gray, CEO, Telefónica O2 Ireland comments on the association: “O2 is delighted to be associated with WMB for a third consecutive year. Now more than ever it is evident how important small and medium sized businesses are to our economy. The theme of this year’s O2 WMB Conference & Awards is “Anything is Possible”, a suitably positive sentiment given the challenges that we all in business currently face. To reach the top in any business has always taken not only huge effort and determination but also real passion. And this has not changed. Irish businesses continue to benefit from the fresh ideas, dedication, and leadership that women can bring. In recognising their achievements, these awards are encouraging even more women to succeed in their chosen field”.

Danuta’s sentiments are echoed by colleague and SME Business Manager, Brenda Jones: “In what is now a much more demanding business environment, it is those that meet challenges head on and who have the vision to seek out new opportunities that will become leaders in their chosen professions. This event and these awards recognise the many women who are determined to reach their full potential. O2 is very proud to be part of the WMB initiative for a third year”.