Women, ethics and business; I think that's a pretty impressive, powerful trio. And I'm not the only one.

Which is why last Thursday (June 19th) Triodos bank hosted the Women in Ethical Business Awards for the third year running. The finalists, as they have been every year, were a group of grounded women, all serious and successful players in the business world, all with their fingers and toes firmly on the ethical pulse.

Everyone else at LSO St Luke’s that night was of the same ethical like-mindedness too. Loads of energy and camaraderie made up this amazing, buzzy atmosphere. Though this was no vehicle for rallying feminist activity (FYI: there were lots of supportive men in the building too!) It was about recognising the women who are leading the way and championing ethical enterprises all around the UK. Made up of four categories; Business Award, Small Business Award, Entrepreneur Award and the Eve Reader Award (as voted for by readers of media partner Eve magazine). The finalists were all outstanding, worthy nominees, as host and The Observer eco-columnist Lucy Siegle reiterated, the judging was tough.

But it wasn't just about the awards either. Like The Observer Ethical Awards earlier in the month, there was a strong emphasis on making ethical businesses and ethical practices the norm and accepted way and part of life. Though these awards were a little different - maybe even a bit more special - because they acknowledged all the women out there who are making a real everyday difference to the way we all live.

It was a sophisticated but down-to-earth affair, free from celebrity presence, heightened fourfold by the scale of achievement in the room. These women are celebs in their own right. There was a genuine sincerity in the room, a feeling best summed up and brought home by the winner of The Ethical Business Award, Susie Hewson from Natracare. She gave such a heartfelt speech, dedicating her award to all the finalists and all their hard work too. Emotional, inspirational stuff. Chatting afterwards over a glass or three of champagne, I wasn't surprised she'd brought a tear or two to quite a few eyes with her warm words, including my own.

Point is; Susie was spot on. Yes, it's an awards ceremony so they're going to be winners and losers. But this whole ethical thing is all about a collaborative effort and bringing people together to help make the world a better place to live. Call it a cliché, call it idealistic but I've said it before and I’ll say it again, simply because it's the truth.

Ultimately, it's about caring. And for me, without drawing upon gender stereotypes or generalising too much, I think this is why so many women are really making their mark in the ethical business arena. They have that natural innate characteristic to care. These are smart, switched on women but their drive and determination to make a difference is propelled by nothing else but care and compassion. And in the ethical business world, that's what gets you far.

And the winners are…

Ethical Business Award: Susie Hewson, Natracare
Finalists: Safia Minney (People Tree) and Christine Armstrong (Second Nature UK)

Ethical Small Business Award: Judith Freane, Brown Cow
Finalists: Julie Brown (Growing Communities) and Karen Mattison and Emma Stewart (Women Like Us)

Ethical Entrepreneur Award: Solitaire Townsend, Futerra
Finalists: Carry Somers (Pachacuti) and Renee Elliot (Planet Organic)

Eve Reader Award: Lucy Wisdom, Sumatran Orangutan Society

written by Sarah Eden - 24/06/08
Sarah Eden worked for the ethical marketing agency, Feel, and is now a freelance writer specialising in the ethical arena