Used Kitchen Exchange founder Helen Lord has received the NatWest everywoman Award – Demeter category.
The accolade is awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business, which has been trading between three and five years.
Used Kitchen Exchange promotes the profitable recycling of used kitchens, offering a complete resale service and returning the majority of the profit to the seller.
The awards, now in their 14th year, “identify and champion” the women behind Britain’s most successful businesses.
“It is amazing to be given this prestigious accolade from such a stella group of successful female entrepreneurs,” said Lord. “Our team are amazing and Used Kitchen Exchange is a great business. We have brought a much needed re-generation ethos to the industry and added true social value. The collective benefits are right out there for everyone to see and I am delighted to receive national validation for the work we are doing. We have ‘done well, by doing good’.”
Speaking at the ceremony, everywoman co-founder Maxine Benson, commented: “For 14 years the NatWest everywoman Awards have uncovered and celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Britain’s female entrepreneurs. Starting a business from scratch takes courage and self-belief, qualities that our winners have in abundance. We applaud their success and send them out to spread the message to other women that enterprise is a rewarding and fulfilling career upon which the success of the UK economy depends.”
Julie Baker, head of enterprise at NatWest, said: “We are very proud to recognise these women, who are not just successful in their own businesses, but are also great role models. The importance of women in business cannot be underestimated, so we hope these role models will inspire other women to take their first steps in business. To help these entrepreneurs and would-be business owners, NatWest has a network of over 340 externally accredited Women in Business specialists who understand our customers’ ambitions and provide business support, mentoring and networking opportunities.”