Arachne, the networking forum aimed at women in business in the region and formed by Ellisons Solicitors earlier this year, has held a Christmas wine tasting.

The event also celebrated the Business Woman of the Year Award.

The award, part of the Gazette's Colchester and District Business Awards 2004, was sponsored by Ellisons and was won by Marie Partner, chief executive of Colchester United Football Club.

Marie and four of the other five finalists joined the team from Ellisons and 30 Arachne members to listen to Tim Ferguson, of Promotion Wine, talk about some of the wines he recommends to complement the seasonal fare.

Marie and the four finalists present - Linda Furnell of Body & Sole; Kath Wood of Firstsite; Sheree Wymer, of Softview Conservatories, and Sharon Searle of Pulse Promotions - were also presented with a bottle of champagne by Patsy Phillips, partner and head of the family practice at Ellisons Solicitors.

The fifth finalist, Yvette Mayhew, of Nayland Care, was unable to attend.

Patsy, who had been one of the four judges for the award congratulated the finalists on the extremely high standard of this year's competition: "We were delighted to see a strong entrepreneurial showing as well as representatives from established businesses, the arts and sport.

"The decision was difficult but I'm pleased to say unanimous and we congratulate Marie, only one of three female chief executives in football in the country and a very positive role model for women in business in Colchester."

The other three judges of the competition were Yve Newbold, Evening Gazette editor Irene Kettle and Keeley Hogben, last year's winner.

Published Friday December 24, 2004

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