A plethora of inspirational women from the UK travel, tourism and hospitality industries gathered at The London Metropolitan University Graduate Centre on Wednesday, 26 November in honour of the 2008 Shine Awards.

The awards celebrate the very best in female talent and are the boutique ceremony of the industry. Preceded by a roundtable event on talent management issues, which was attended by industry professionals including representatives from the BHA and the Institute of Hospitality, the awards honoured individuals who have made an impact in several categories, including corporate woman of the year and young achiever of the year.

A rousing keynote speech was delivered by Liz Jackson, a blind entrepreneur who founded the hugely successful marketing company Great Guns Marketing. Liz opened her speech with a quote from Henry Ford: "...If you think you can or you think you can't, you are absolutely right." This acted as a powerful reminder to all participants that we must perform to our best and inspire others to achieve the same, especially at such testing times. The winners received a sculpted glass award designed by Peter Layton and included:

Shine Corporate Woman of the Year - Vanessa Lenssen, Founder of GoLearnTo.com Shine Outstanding Mentor of the Year - Gina McAdam, Founder of Stratermarco

Shine Public Sector Woman of the Year - Karen Illingworth, Tourism Skills Manager of The Mersey Partnership Shine Young Achiever of the Year - Emma Chang, GM, The Liner Hotel

For a full list of winners and special prizes awarded please click here.