A HARTFORD celebrant has been shortlisted for an award aimed at recognising women in business.

An independent panel has endured weeks of deliberation before making crucial decisions to complete the finalist shortlists for the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVA).

Sue Williamson, of Simply Ceremonies, Hartford, has been shortlisted for the Professional Services award.

Judges whittled down a record number of entries to 109 businesses from across the north west making the shortlist.

Each finalist will now present and face a panel of judges. The winners will be announced on Friday, September 29, at an awards ceremony held at Blackpool Winter Gardens.

Sue, from Hartford, launched Simply Ceremonies in 2015 after leaving her job as a hotelier.

Celebrants are professional officiants who perform ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals and vow renewals.

Sue’s highest profile ceremony to date was the wedding of Samia Ghadie of Coronation Street fame, and Sylvain Longchambon, a French ice dancer, which featured in OK! Magazine.

“I’m delighted,” Sue said.

“I have only been going two-and-a-half years, so to get as far as the shortlist is fantastic. I’m obviously really, really pleased.”

Launched back in 2011, the EVAs provide women across the north west with the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements in business.

The EVAs judging process is a mix of public nomination with a stringent round of judging and an interview with a panel of highly regarded business professionals.

Coral Horn, founder of networking group Pink Link Ladies and organiser of the awards, said: “There is a huge amount of quality across all of the categories and it certainly won’t be easy for the judges.

“Entries for the awards are at an all-time high and I think that has reflected in the entries we have received.”

Public votes can be cast from Monday, August 14 at enterprisevisionawards.co.uk