These prestigious awards recognise not only those businesses that have performed well, but showcase how diversity has strengthened their organisational performance during the most challenging economic conditions.

The Women 1st Shine Awards are the only accolades to recognise outstanding female and business achievement in the hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism industries.

This year's winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 19 June 2012, hosted by radio and television presenter Emma Forbes at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, following the inaugural Women 1st Conference www.people1st.co.uk/conference. The evening will also see 30 inspirational females inducted into the Women 1st Top 100 Club www.people1st.co.uk/top100club, which recognises the most influential women in the hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism industries.

The shortlist for company award recognition is as follows:

Small Business:

• Affordable Car Hire
• Custard Communications
• Farmstay UK
• HTP Training
• Partners in Solutions

Large Business:

• Merlin Entertainments
• Merseytravel

The shortlists for the individual awards were announced last month, and are available to view at www.people1st.co.uk/shineawards

Women 1st was founded by sector skills council, People 1st, to support women in achieving their career aspirations in the hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism industry.

As well as running the Women 1st Shine Awards and Top 100 Club, it offers continuing professional development training, a mentoring programme and networking events. Women 1st has supported over 800 women since its launch in October 2009.

Tickets for the Women 1st Shine Awards gala dinner are now available at www.people1st.co.uk/shineawards-tickets