I’m proud to have been shortlisted in the Institute of Directors’ (IoD) East Midlands Director of the Year Awards. They celebrate the achievements of the region’s most hardworking and innovative business leaders and I’ve been shortlisted in the Family Business Director of the Year category.

The Richardson Partnership for Care was set up by my parents in 1989, so I have grown up in the business and it’s always been part of my life. I became a Partner at the age of 21, and now run the organisation with my husband, Greg. I care passionately about the quality of life of our service users, and although it can be a pressured and stressful environment in which to work, it’s very rewarding. It’s also nice to receive recognition from a highly respected business organisation.

The Institute of Directors considers the success and sustainability of all types of businesses for these awards, and I’m pleased to represent what’s good about the care sector. Financial stability is crucial in this industry so that service users have continuity for rehabilitation and a safe, stable long-term home.

The award winners will be announced on Thursday 16^th May, and there are two other directors from Northamptonshire on the shortlist. By some strange coincidence, one of them is Belinda King of Belinda King Creative Products International, who will be buying our house as we both move the following day! Good luck, Belinda!

It’s going to be a busy week, and I’ll let you know how I get on.