A panel of nine judges chaired by former chief executive of ABTA, Ian Reynolds, has now chosen the shortlisted candidates in this year's SHINE Awards.

Fifteen candidates have been shortlisted in total for this year’s awards, in the five categories of young achiever of the year; business owner of the year; public sector woman of the year; business woman of the year and SHINE woman of the year.

The winners will be announced at an award ceremony at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Mayfair on Tuesday 28 February, close to International Women's Day.

Vicky Pryce, chief economic advisor and director general of economics at the DTI, is the scheduled keynote speaker on the evening and will talk about the contribution of women to the UK economy.

Alessandra Alonso, joint managing director of SHINE People&Places said, "The SHINE Awards are a fantastic opportunity to highlight women within the industry who have achieved great results, at all levels.

She added, “We were delighted with the quality of women nominated, some in their 20s, some in their 60s; many juggling family obligations or pursuing other responsibilities, but all having ultimately one thing in common – being determined, enthusiastic women, striving for excellence in business whilst remaining true to themselves and continuing to nurture and develop their staff."

For more information on the 2006 SHINE Awards and to view the shortlisted candidates, please visit the website www.shineawards.com