05/08/2009

Maria Whitehead - A Finalist in the 'Director of the Year Award'

Maria Whitehead co-owner and Director of the Hawkshead Relish Company has been announced as a finalist for Institute Of Directors North West Director of the Year.

Maria with husband Mark inspired The Hawkshead Relish Company and began producing perserves following the devastating effect Foot and Mouth had on the area and their then thriving small rural café. 10 years has seen Hawkshead Relish grow from a small cottage industry to an established and recognised artisan brand both home and abroad.

The IOD recognises the achievements of individuals who have through enterprising leadership skills built inspirational businesses that are both innovative and sustainable.

Maria is of course half of a whole; together Mark and Maria have created a unique and distinctive company which encompasses the community and the region into the ideology of the brand. Maria readily maintains ‘We are as much of the locality, as the locality is part of us! And I am fervent that is how Hawkshead Relish will remain’!

The award will be announced on the 7th October in Manchester. We are all keeping our fingers firmly crossed for Maria and trying not to get in a pickle….no more than usual anyway!

UPDATE: Maria narrowly missed out on the evening but with over 500 candidates it was a huge achievement to reach the top three and delighted to have had an excuse to get the new frock! and be included in a group of such prestigious people.