Fairtrade director wins Outstanding Woman in Business Award

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation has been awarded the prestigious title of Credit Suisse Outstanding Woman in Business at this year’s National Business Awards.

The event was hosted by Andrew Marr at a ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday.

The award recognises the work of the Fairtrade Foundation and Ms Lamb's leadership in guiding the foundation through a period of staggering growth.

Ms Lamb was nominated along with eight of the UK’s leading business women, including Sophi Tranchell, Managing Director, Divine Chocolate. The finalists were assessed by a panel of expert judges and senior corporate executives and academics.

Ms Lamb paid tribute to the Fairtrade business across the UK.

"I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all the hundreds of businesses who make Fairtrade happen across the world – from the farmers’ organisations to the importers and retailers here in the UK," she said.

"Fairtrade is a successful business model showing that you can put social and environmental considerations first and still succeed commercially.

"The bottom line is that Fairtrade works: enabling producers to develop their own businesses and communities, meeting consumer demand and so working for companies too."

She also noted the role of consumers in making Fairtrade a success by choosing to buy Fairtrade-certified products.

"Driven by millions of consumers who make it their business to choose Fairtrade, we have seen a seismic shift over the last few years. And with their help, we will be able to grow the Fairtrade market much further still and make a difference to the lives of millions more people who are still earning less than $2 a day."

The award was presented to the individual who has best demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic planning and outstanding exploitation of market or operational opportunities. The judges looked for evidence of how, under the stewardship of the entrant, the organisation has significantly improved performance for its stakeholders – employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders.

Brian McRitchie, a director of Credit Suisse in the UK and one of the judges for the awards, said: "This award recognises the vital contributions and leadership which women demonstrate in businesses throughout the UK.

"All of the submissions were impressive, however, in spite of the stiff competition; the finalists demonstrated the strongest business management qualities.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those short listed on their achievements."