LONDON, December 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The search is on for the extraordinary business woman who will win the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award.

Now in its 36th year, this unique award recognises the inspiring role played by successful business women. This prize will be awarded on April 28th 2009.

The type of business in not important, but achievement, motivational ability, innovation, creativity, business acumen, entrepreneurship, dynamism, charisma and, most critically, a profound concern for the sustainable growth of her business and the development of her team, will certainly be amongst the qualities the judges will be looking for.

In theming this year's award Veuve Clicquot has acknowledged the increasing importance of social and environmental issues in the success of 21st century business, both as regards to operation of the business, and its impact on the broader community. Therefore, the judges will also be looking for a genuine commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.

Nominations will be considered by a panel of 10 respected figures from the worlds of finance, the media and business - including previous winners of the award.

This Award is inspired by the unique qualities of Madame Clicquot, pioneering creator of the great champagne house. Widowed while still young, Madame Clicquot took up the reins of her husband's family business, opening up new markets under challenging conditions, revolutionising production techniques and acquiring the best vineyards. She grew to become the Grande Dame de la Champagne and left a legacy.

In the spirit of innovation established by Madame Clicquot, Veuve Clicquot has placed sustainable development at the very heart of their business. Sustainable viticulture, preservation and dissemination of traditional skills, apprenticeship programmes, a commitment to diversity and a profit-sharing scheme, amongst many other measures, mark Veuve Clicquot out as a modern business working for a future as illustrious and responsible as its past.

Current holder of the title is Ms Carolyn McCall, CEO of the Guardian Media Group. Rt Hon Theresa May MP presented the award to Ms McCall at The Awards Ceremony held at The Berkeley hotel in April of last year.

The closing date for nominations is 31st January, 2009.

Notes to Editors:

VEUVE CLICQUOT AWARD

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Award was created by?

Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Why?

To commemorate the woman who inherited the company which now bears her name

Why was she so special?

In 1805 she took over her husband's vineyards and from small beginnings created an internationally owned company

What were her achievements?

She invented a system for clarifying the wine, still used today by all Champagne producers. It was she who pioneered rosé Champagne. Perseverance against the trade blockade during the time of Napoleon made her a formidable exporter. Her tenacity gained her champagne a foothold in Russia and her wine was to become the champagne of the Russian Court

When did the Award begin?

In 1972, the year after the company had celebrated its bi-centenary. This year will be the 36th in Britain

What use is the Award?

Each year tells the story of a shortlist of women who are high achievers in business life. Their stories are an encouragement and inspiration to younger, aspiring women. It salutes the women of achievement - many of whom work quietly and without acclaim in the many different businesses and industries that contribute to the economic life of this country

Is the Award purely British?

Other countries have run or are running the Award. In the last three years it has been run in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland

How do people get nominated?

Regional, trade and national press, business groups, women's networks, venture capitalists and other business organisations are circularise to elicit nominations

How many nominations?

In previous years Veuve Clicquot have received between 50 - 80 application per year, most with supporting evidence - accounts, product information, CV and company profile

Who judges?

A group of men and women representing the business press, corporate and entrepreneurial business, consumers, venture capital, executive search and Veuve Clicquot.

What is the criteria?

As it is not a first past the post race, the yard stick is the business profile of Madame Clicquot. Her character has been distilled and the nominees are judged against her merits.

When is the shortlist announced?

March 2009

How many women are short listed?

No more than five

When is the winner announced?

On 28th April 2009 at the Saatchi Gallery, London

What is the prize?

Primarily the title. At the presentation the winner receives a silver trophy and a case of La Grande Dame, a special vintage produced from the vineyards only owned by Madame Clicquot during her lifetime. She will visit Reims, along with the laureates from other countries, where each will christen a vine in her own name and enrol as a Friend of the Widow, who each receives a gift of Champagne every birthday for life

Current holder of the title:

Carolyn McCall, CEO, Guardian Media Group

A few of the 35 past winners:

Anita Roddick, Body Shop International; Mair Barnes, Woolworths plc; Ann Gloag, Stagecoach Holdings plc; Nicola Foulston, Brands Hatch plc; Marjorie Scardino, Pearson plc; Anne Wood, Ragdoll Productions; Dianne Thompson, Camelot plc; Barbara Cassani, Go Fly UK; Linda Bennett, LK Bennett; Dawin Gibbins, Flocrete Group of Companies; Vivienne Cox, Vivienne Cox Executive Vice President and CEO BP Gas, Power Renewables and Integrated Supply Trading; Rosaleen Blair, CEO of Alexander Mann Solutions

With so many high achieving women in business is the Award redundant?

Women are still very much a minority group in high management and in the entrepreneurial world. The encouragement and recognition the Award gives remains valid for the 21st century

How can a nomination be made?

Visit the website for an on-line application form http://www.veuveclicquotaward.com/

Or please refer to the website: http://www.veuveclicquotaward.com/

For further information please contact: Martyn Bowden, Veuve Clicquot Public Relations, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Ph: +44(0)207-2454-345, E-mail: Martyn.Bowden@mhuk.co.uk