DAWN GRACIE Congratulations to a real business superhero

I’m flat out, but last Friday I took time out to attend the JP Events’ Woman of the Year awards, a very sparkly occasion at the Avisford Park Hotel.

I was obviously thrilled by the table decorations, after all, who doesn’t love a glitter ball? Even though I didn’t win an award myself, I was incredibly proud to have been there when my very good friend and once-boss Rachel Boyle was announced as Business Woman of the Year. Annoyingly she couldn’t be there due to commitments of a school Christmas fair nature, but I raised a glass in her honour!

I worked for her at ABC Magazine Sussex for eight years and that lady taught me a lot about business. She taught me high levels of customer service are king, she taught me to value what you do and be proud of your product, but most of all, that excellent business ethics are key to longevity. After nearly 17 years in business, she has now won an award which symbolises how highly she is regarded by her fellow Mumpreneurs and now I can say this publicly without being accused of sucking up to the boss: she really is my hero, and her Chichester-based mum Jane should be very proud.

Rachel, I salute you.

n www.dawngracie.com