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Around 400 businesswomen attended the 27th annual Vitalise Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards at Birmingham’s Hilton Metropole Hotel on 2 October.

The prestigious Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year Award 2009 was won by Asha Khemka OBE, who follows TV’s ‘Secret Millionaire’ Hilary Devey in 2008 and Birmingham FC’s Karren Brady in 2007 as recipient of the Award.

Asha is Principal and Chief Executive of West Nottinghamshire College, which she has led into the top five nationally with a grade one ranking from Ofsted. She has the honour of being the first female principal of a UK college to be born and raised in India.

Asha said: “It is an honour to receive this prestigious award and follow in the footsteps of such esteemed winners from previous years. While it is always pleasing to achieve personal recognition, I believe this award demonstrates the major contribution that colleges and the Further Education sector as a whole makes to UK Plc.

This award recognises West Nottinghamshire College as a dynamic, highly-successful business in its own right and a major player in the local economy; at the heart of education, training and regeneration.”

Quadriplegic yachtswoman Hilary Lister was named Vitalise Woman of Achievement 2009.

Hilary overcame enormous obstacles to become a pioneer of disabled sailing and an inspiration to disabled people the world over.

In 2006 she became the first ever quadriplegic person to sail solo across the English Channel and in August this year she became the first disabled woman to sail solo around Great Britain.

Hilary said: "I'm completely overwhelmed to receive this award. There are so many talented women here today that to be singled out is really humbling. This award is special to me because it's from Vitalise. They are all about empowering disabled people. I've spent my whole career saying we need to take the 'dis' out of disability."

The Ceremony, now in its 27th year, was hosted by Viscountess Cobham and presented by former ITV Central News anchor Arti Halai. The keynote speakers were best-selling novelist Preethi Nair and last year’s Woman of Achievement, Christine King CBE, Chief Executive of Staffordshire University and author.

Among the other attractions at the gala event were a spectacular fashion show presented by Selfridges, a display of chivalry by the Knights of Middle England, a luxury bazaar and live music.

The Awards honour Midlands-based women’s outstanding individual achievement in all professions and provide positive role models to encourage other women to excel.

All good wishes,

Penelope, Viscountess Cobham

President, Vitalise Women of the Year