UNIC Cranes’ MD, Gill Riley, has been named as one of only four nominees for Veuve Clicquot’s prestigious annual Business Woman Award.
Judges recognised Gill’s determination in driving the success of the UNIC Cranes, a leading provider of specialist lifting equipment, with her brother, CEO Graeme Riley. Gill’s success was in spite of working in the male-dominated construction industry, where she was able to win the respect of her peers and clients through her technical knowledge and outstanding customer service.
Gill is in good company, with past winners of the award including Dame Anita Roddick DBE, founder and managing director of the Body Shop and Linda Bennett, founder and managing director of LK Bennett.
Each year tells the story of inspiring women who are high achievers in business life. Their stories are an encouragement and motivation 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.
Gill commented on her nomination: “It’s an absolute honour to be one of only five nominees up for such a high profile award. It’s a privilege to be recognised for the work that I’ve done in establishing, growing and maintaining UNIC Cranes, especially in such tough economic times, for our industry in particular. Most importantly I’m looking forward to attending the awards ceremony as I absolutely love Veuve Clicquot champagne!”
Gill is no stranger to awards, having won the Natwest Everywoman and Crain’s 40 under 40 awards in previous years. The GGR Group has also been listed in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for two years running.
The GGR Group is now made up of six brands – GGR Glass, UNIC Cranes Europe, GGR Galizia, GGR AirLift, GGR Rail and GGR Cladding. The GGR Group is Europe’s leading supplier of vacuum handling equipment, restricted access lifting machinery and mini cranes for sale and hire, along with a variety of complementary products and services.
The winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2010 will be announced on 23rd March at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London. The winner will then take part in the International Businesswoman forum at Veuve Clicquot in Reims,
visiting the Manoir de Verzy and our vineyards, where she will have a vine dedicated to her.
The award was created by Veuve Clicquot Champagne to commemorate Nicole Ponsardin/Cliquot: the woman who inherited the company which now bears her name. She invented a system for clarifying the wine, still used today by all
champagne producers.
The award was first presented in 1972 – it is now run in sixteen countries across the world. 2010 will be the 37th year it has been held in the UK.
