Liz Cottingham - National Awards Winner - Congratulations Liz...from LDC XXX

everywoman awards... Congratulations to local 'WINNER' - LIZ COTTINGHAM

 
Local entrepreneur, Liz Cottingham, has been recognised amongst the nation’s leading women business owners after being announced this week as the winner of the NatWest everywoman awards. The awards, now in their sixth year, recognise and reward the nation’s most successful female entrepreneurs, across all ages and sectors. The finalists selected have all displayed great entrepreneurial flair. Each journey of success, often in the face of adversity, makes them compelling role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs.    

Liz Cottingham’s business The Mill at Gordleton, based in Lymington, Hampshire has won the category for the Hera Award for 'the most inspiring entrepreneur aged 50 or over'.

Starting out at just 17 working as a chambermaid in Bournemouth, Liz has always been passionate about the hospitality industry. With her husband as her business partner, Liz couldn’t resist the challenge of buying the Mill which had been a hugely successful restaurant in the past where Jean-Christophe Novelli won his first Michelin star. Despite set-backs including splitting from her husband and consequently the necessity of further funding, Liz has succeeded in creating a beautiful place to dine and relax, which is consistently fully booked.

Liz attributes the success of the Mill to her loyal team of 27. She is also passionate about sustainability, using the river water to power the hotel for example, and is currently working with the University of Southampton to explore the possibilities of restoring the mill to its original working condition.

Liz comments, “It’s really amazing to be singled out in these awards as it helps to put the spotlight on the restaurant.  I feel like I am doing good things such as keeping green which will make a difference to the business.”

Tessa Lyndon-Skeggs, Director of Women in Business Service, NatWest comments, "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.  Liz 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. ”

Karen Gill, co-founder of everywoman comments, “The quality of the entries this year was truly phenomenal.  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.”  

The winners were announced at a lunch ceremony on 3 December at the famous Dorchester Hotel in London, where guests included VIPs from the fields of business, government, the media and the entertainment industry.

To read this years' LDC review of The Mill at Gordleton, please CLICK HERE!