Clicquot to toast woman of the year

What's the story?

The 34th annual Veuve Clicquot Award for Business Woman of the Year will be presented to one of two finalists this week. The first, Rosaleen Blair, heads recruitment specialist Alexander Mann Solutions. She is building a [pound]300m global business employing more than 800 people. The second, Natalie Massenet (left), is founder and chairman of Net-a-Porter.com, the online luxury fashion retailer. The international business has a turnover of more than [pound]35m.

What are they saying?

Sally Warmington, Veuve Clicquot brand director: "The Veuve Clicquot Award is inspired by Madame Clicquot, the first great international businesswoman. The finalists share her bold approach ... and challenge long-established boundaries." Vivienne Cox, last year's winner: "I am not a superwoman. The notion makes everyone feel inadequate." Gordon Brown at last year's awards: "Only 20 per cent of MPs are women - which probably explains quite a lot."

What happens next?

The winner will inherit the title from Vivienne Cox of BP, and will receive a silver trophy in the shape of a bottle of La Grande Dame champagne, a special cuvee made from vintage grapes grown in the vineyards that Madame Clicquot owned. In June, the British winner and her 15 international counterparts will go to Reims to christen a vine in their name. Each will receive a bottle of La Grande Dame on her birthday for the rest of her life.

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