Vincents’ Zoe Fleming wins prestigious Enterprise Vision Award
‘Inspirational’ Lancashire lawyer makes radio debut following award win
Vincents Solicitors’ Zoe Fleming has been named this year’s winner in the Professional Services category at the prestigious Enterprise Vision Awards. The ‘inspirational’ Lytham-based lawyer was the ‘standout choice’ for the judges of the UK’s biggest regional women in business awards.
Zoe, a private client solicitor based in Vincents’ Lytham town centre office, specialises in helping elderly people and those with dementia with Wills, Power of Attorney, Trusts, care needs, capacity issues and probate matters.
She also leads a variety of community-benefit activities, both personally and as part of Vincents’ corporate social responsibility programme. She has trained to be a Dementia Friend - and is training colleagues across the business - has raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society and local hospices, is working with community organisations to support older people and help tackle loneliness, and takes part in women in business mentoring events across the region.
In their comments the judges said: “Zoe’s corporate attention to detail, with personal attention to each customer caught the judges’ eye, and they were inspired by her vision of breaking down the barriers within the community.”
Zoe said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win the award, I could hardly believe it as there were so many fabulous women in my category. I am very grateful to the judges for selecting me, and for Vincents for allowing me to be the kind of lawyer that I always wanted to be.
“I love what I do, both working with clients and getting out and helping in the community, and I do it for the personal satisfaction. But of course it is amazing to be recognised by an organisation like Enterprise Vision, which does so much to support professional women in the region, for just doing what I believe is the right thing to do.”
Following her win, Zoe was invited onto BBC Radio Lancashire alongside awards organiser Coral Horn of the Pink Link Ladies networking group, to talk about the awards and her win, and to encourage women to get involved with events that seek to celebrate and inspire.
Zoe added: “Being on the radio was a new experience for me, but a very enjoyable one. It was great to have the chance to talk about my work, and to thank the EVAs. We work hard and we enjoy what we do, but we just get on with it don’t we? But I think that it is important to celebrate all of that hard work and success, and it’s nice to enjoy some recognition as well.”
Coral Horn added: “Zoe really was the stand-out choice for the judges. A genuine professional, she clearly provides an excellent service to her clients in a caring and approachable way. Added to that the sheer volume of her charity and community activities, the extra training and qualifications she has done to help support older people, and the work she does with those suffering from dementia, was all extremely impressive and considered quite inspirational from the judges’ perspective.
“The EVAs spread an inspirational message that women of all ages can be successful professionals and entrepreneurs. This year, we’ve cried, laughed and been awestruck by the excellence of these talented women. They made it harder than ever for the judges who were impressed by their passion, determination and zeal.”
Held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, the 9th annual EVAs saw 650 guests enjoy a night of refreshments and entertainments as 16 outstanding women were honoured with awards in a variety of categories. The ceremony was live-streamed across the world for friends and family to follow as events unfolded.
Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager at headline sponsor NatWest, said: “The EVAS are without question a brilliant way to celebrate the successes and achievements made by women in business from across the North West. The Alison Rose Review into Female Entrepreneurship highlighted the need for relatable role models we are committed to resolving this issue by highlighting the great work being done by female entrepreneurs. We congratulate all of the winners and nominees, and hope they had a fantastic night celebrating.”
Zoe’s award was presented by Francine Morris, Associate Dean, Enterprise and Engagement, at Salford Business School. She said: “Salford Business School is delighted to be supporting the EVAs again this year. At the University of Salford we are committed to tackling gender equality for all our staff and students. We currently hold a Bronze Athena Swan Charter award for gender equality in higher education, but we know there is still much work to be done.
“We are particularly keen on ensuring that our female business school students can link up and be mentored by women in business. We have found that this type of support helps with their transition into the world of work and gives them access to crucial networks as they begin their careers.
“Supporting the EVAs is therefore an obvious way of nurturing networks that will benefit our students. We are particularly excited to sponsor the award for Professional Services because we understand the critical role performed by our own female professional services staff and we appreciate their valuable contribution every day. Well done to all the nominees from Salford Business School!”
ENDS
Pictured:
1. Picking up her Enterprise Vision Award is Zoe Fleming of Vincents Solicitors (LEFT) with Francine Morris, Associate Dean, Enterprise and Engagement, Salford Business School at the University of Salford Business School which sponsored the Professional Services category