Braintree businesswoman Claire Sandbrook has been shortlisted for a top national award honouring the achievements of inspirational women who have broken new ground in the business world.

Claire has been named as one of the finalists in the First Women Awards 2009. She has been shortlisted in the Business Services category.

The event, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Investec Private Bank and Tesco, supported by the CBI, celebrates pioneering women who are successful role models and who open up opportunities for other women.

Mrs Sandbrook is the owner and Chief Executive of Shergroup, one of the leading providers of outsourced global business services, specialising in enforcement, security, legal services and IT solutions, based at Freeport Business Park, Century Drive, in Braintree.

She is also Chairman of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association and is a Braintree district councillor.

The shortlist success marks another important milestone in Shergroup’s strengthening national and international exposure at numerous industry conferences.

Commenting on her nomination, Mrs Sandbrook said: “I feel honoured to have been chosen as a finalist in what appears to be a very hotly contested category. I see this as recognition for all the hard work undertaken not just by myself, but by the whole team at Shergroup.”

“The value of being part of the First Women Awards recognises our work in the enforcement and legal sectors and our strategy to diversify our business in the security and outsourcing arenas. It is a chance to stand alongside a network of extraordinary women from different parts of the world and from different backgrounds.”

She was nominated for the award by members of her team and must now face a judging panel on May 8th. She is competing against other captains of industry, including Chief Executives of large corporations and chambers of commerce.

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square on June 11.