Having won the Business Transformation Award in 2021, I was overwhelmed to have won an award for the second year running and it was completely unexpected. Being designated a Shining Star for the support that I have given to our industry and to my competitors during such a difficult time really meant so much.  As a business owner it can be very lonely with no boss to pay compliments, so winning the award feels like a huge pat on the back from the industry.

When my name was called I was elated, very pleasantly surprised and overjoyed.

My family, friends and colleagues in the industry were naturally very delighted for me and very proud of me. It was heart-warming to receive so many messages of congratulations on the night and in the days afterwards.

I have worked in business travel all my career and I’m very passionate about it. I have so many friends and wonderful memories from my travel career; I even met my husband in travel so I have a lot to thank it for.

Being recognised for my efforts after 19 years of running my own business was just amazing and definitely increased my profile further. As an example, I was at a conference and sat next to someone who I had never met before and they recognised me through photos of me winning my award.

If anyone reading this is considering entering this category in the 2023 awards, I would say: “Don’t consider it, do it!” Winning or even being shortlisted is such a great achievement and being recognised by industry peers for your achievements is a fabulous feeling.

Enter now for the 2023 Business Travel People Awards. Nominations close on March 15.