TWO Hartford business women have been nominated for one of the region’s top accolades.

Caroline Gowing, director of Pink Spaghetti PA Services, and Catherine Sandland, director of White Hart Training, are in the running for Cheshire Woman of the Year 2016.

Since 1985, the annual award has recognised the achievements of unsung heroines in service to the community, personal courage and outstanding professional achievement.

Launched in 2009 from Caroline’s kitchen table in Hartford, Pink Spaghetti now operates in 17 franchised territories around the UK and provides flexible, part-time employment for four female employees in its Winnington head office.

Its pay as you go PA offer also benefits hundreds of small businesses and freelancers who are looking for ad hoc support to help them grow.

White Hart Training was launched in 1999, and Catherine helps women in business and communities to stand up and speak out - with confidence, clarity and influence.

Caroline said: “I am delighted to have been nominated, and am very pleased that Catherine has been too.

“We are proud to use White Hart Training as part of our training for new franchisees. We are up against some incredible women, many of whom have made huge personal sacrifices or raised vast sums of money for charity.

“I am incredibly flattered to have been nominated, and I feel very humble to be included on such a prestigious list.”

Nominations for the Cheshire Woman of the Year are anonymous, so Caroline and Catherine will never found out who nominated them.

Catherine said: “I don't know who nominated me, but would like to thank them very much.

“Part of my business is to encourage women to speak up and make their difference, so I am used to working with some incredible, phenomenal women on a daily basis.

“It is such an honour and privilege to be included in these nominations.”

The award winner is to be announced at a celebratory lunch on April 27 at Eaton Park, Eccleston, near Chester, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.

The annual award has also raised £270,000 for Barnardo’s and the NSPCC.