The search is still on for the UK's most inspiring female entrepreneurs in the annual NatWest everywoman awards. The awards, now in their sixth year, recognise and reward the most successful women, of all backgrounds and ages, who are leading the way in UK business, and acting as role models for others wanting to go it alone. Women have until 29 August 2008 to enter these prestigious awards.

Women make up 51% of the UK adult population, but only constitute 27% of the self-employed*, and these awards are an opportunity to celebrate those that are bucking the trend and achieving success, to help address this inequality. The government recently acknowledged the important role that women play in the economy in its recent Enterprise Strategy, and also recognised the need for women to act as mentors to others, showing how inspirational role models are pivotal to boosting the number of female entrepreneurs.

The awards are open to women from any sector or discipline, with categories set by age, each inspired by the ancient Greek goddesses - Artemis, Demeter, Athena and Hera - representing courage, determination, perseverance, wisdom and strength. 2007 also saw the introduction of two new awards - the Iris Award for use of technical innovation in business, and the first everywoman Ambassador's Award, presented to model and business woman, Elle Macpherson, who was rated as one of the leading celebrity role models for women in business by everywoman's recent research. The Spirit of everywoman award is also presented to a woman who has changed the landscape for women in business, and was last year presented to Dame Stella Rimington, the first female Director General of MI5. The winner of the first Spirit of everywoman award in 2006 was Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers Opticians, who is now Patron of the NatWest everywoman awards.

The awards are free to enter and applications are accepted at www.everywoman.com until 29 August and will be judged by an independent panel, including entrepreneurs Perween Warsi, Chief Executive and Founder - S&A Foods and Sharon Hilditch, of Crystal Clear International. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held on 3 December at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in London, bringing together hundreds of the country's most successful women in business, politics and the media.

For further information and details on how to enter please go to www.everywoman.com