AN Upton businesswoman has been named as a winner in prestigious industry awards.

Helen Astill, who is managing director of Upton Upon Severn based HR Consultancy Cherington HR, has scooped HR Professional of the Year for the West Midlands in the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2020.

Renowned for its HR work supporting businesses across the West Midlands, Cherington HR was nominated to submit an entry for the awards.

This included a comprehensive Q&A along with a detailed overview of the business and plans for future growth.

The judging panel also scrutinised other information provided by their research team, including Mrs Astill's internet profile, before making their final decision.

Mrs Astill said: "I have worked tirelessly this year to help my clients cope with the extraordinary business situations they faced as a result of Covid-19, so I am delighted and honoured that my work has been recognised in this way.

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"To be given this award in what has been one of the most difficult years for everyone is a real pleasure, and I am thrilled to know that my work has made a difference."

Mrs Astill has a wealth of experience in all aspects of practical human resource management and development, and has worked in both the private and public sectors.

The HR Consultancy has a number of impressive accolades to its name, including being shortlisted three times in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Awards for Business Start-up of the Year; Service Excellence; and Excellence in Professional Services categories.

The Influential Businesswoman awards, created by business-focused media company Acquisition International, are designed to recognise and reward the leading women and female-owned businesses that have shown determination and hard work to get to where they are today.

Cherington HR recently celebrated its 14th year in business, and has successfully provided specialist HR support to more than 250 different employers in the UK, as well as to companies in the USA, Australia, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy on matters related to UK employees.