HEAD JUDGECarolyn ByrneTax Manager, Chattertons Solicitors, BA (Hons) ATT (Fellow) STEP
As she often finds herself explaining, Carolyn doesn’t work for HM Revenue & Customs but instead “for the other side” i.e. taxpayers! Having enjoyed a successful career with various national firms of accountants, in 2014 she made the leap to work for a legal firm, Chattertons, where her extensive experience and knowledge enable her to support her legally qualified colleagues. Carolyn always says that approaching a tax planning issue is rather like trying to complete a Rubik’s Cube as you have to consider all angles in order to come up with the perfect solution. Having such experience of working out how to fit different needs and requirements together, as well as being used to working to deadlines, means that she’s ideally placed to be our Awards Team Leader. For many years Carolyn has lived in a small village next to the Trent, as far east that you can go in Bassetlaw without getting your feet wet, which can be a bit hairy at times when the road floods! She enjoys walking, and also is a keen motorcyclist – despite recently getting thoroughly drenched in the Scottish Highlands! |
Heidi CottonHeidi is the owner of Broomwagon Velo Café situated in Retford Town Centre, which burst onto the scene in March 2014. Since then the business has grown substantially. In October 2015 a successful bid was made to secure a highly sought after licence to trade from the National Trust’s Clumber Park which led to a doubling of her workforce when the licence began in March this year. Heidi also assists in managing the Broomwagon Racing Team, a cycling team dedicated to the development of junior riders within the sport and has been instrumental in securing high profile sponsorship for the team.
Prior to running her own business Heidi practised as a Criminal Barrister at Bank House Chambers in Sheffield for 15 years. She specialised in highly emotive and technical cases involving death by dangerous driving and was noted in the Legal 500 for her witness handling and cross examination skills. Heidi is a strong leader and has a clear vision for her business and its development. Her analytical skills and ability to assimilate information quickly make her a strong member of the judging panel. She is passionate about the growth of local business and a pioneer for the women who contribute to it. She and her team have won the Best Guest Experience Award at the North Notts Business Awards for the past two years running as well as securing Successful New Business at the 2016 ceremony. Heidi lives in Blyth with her husband Richard and two daughters Grace and Charlotte. In her spare time, she enjoys music, both listening and performing and until recently fronted a rock covers band. She runs and cycles when time allows and, notwithstanding the fact that it’s a daily requirement for her café, still enjoys baking cakes and meeting with friends to eat them! |
Suzanne SmithSuzanne has lived in Retford all of her life and began her career as a laboratory technician testing aircraft engines before moving to the asbestos industry. Suzanne started as an asbestos bulk analyst and soon progressed to conducting asbestos surveys.
After 7 years in the private sector Suzanne moved to the public sector and was responsible for the asbestos management at a social housing provider including training 360 maintenance staff to work with asbestos. Suzanne then became a Regional Operations Manager at an asbestos consultancy within the private sector. In 2014 Suzanne founded Soteria Asbestos Limited with the mission of keeping people safe from asbestos. During her career Suzanne has combined full time work with study and has gained an MSc in Engineering and is in the process of becoming a Chartered Engineer. Suzanne is supporting others in their career journey by being a member of WES, WISE and a STEM Ambassador. In her spare time Suzanne enjoys walking her two dogs and travelling the world. |
Jo WhiteDeputy Leader, Bassetlaw District Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration
Jo is the Deputy Leader of Bassetlaw District Council and is also the Regeneration Portfolio holder for the Council.
She has had previous experience of running her own business when she supplied language services throughout Europe. Clients included large multinationals and blue chip companies, government departments and European Institutions. One of the Bassetlaw District Councils principle corporate objectives is to actively promote economic growth in the District and this priority is the fundamental driver behind initiatives that are being steered and promoted by the Council. Jo is therefore fully committed to the strengthening of our communities through increasing employment opportunities, building our skills base and making Bassetlaw attractive to new business and open to tourists. The challenge of promoting our geographical and historical links to the Mayflower Pilgrims is an essential priority as we approach the 400th anniversary of their arrival in America. |
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