Three in running for Woman of the Year

Three Peninsula women are in the running to become the Business and Professional Women Central Coast Woman of the Year for their achievements and contribution to women in the community.

The three women are Ms Patricia Hardcastle from Crystal Clear Pool Shop in Woy Woy, Ms Stacey Miller from Paper Pens and Printing in Woy Woy and Ms Louise Williams from LAW Building and Design on St Huberts Island.

They will compete for the title with six other finalists from across the Central Coast.

The awards night will be held on February 27, where Ms Hardcastle will receive an Entrepreneur Award in addition to being in the running for Woman of the Year.

Ms Hardcastle took over the Crystal Clear Pool Shop in Woy Woy from her father and took the time to learn all the ins and outs of the pool and spa business.

She runs a tight ship and works overtime in summer so that working people can get their supplies and advice out of hours.

Trish recently won the 2015 National Gold Ppol Shop of the Year from Focus who service shops all over Australia.

The award is given for the best service and greatest increase in business.

She was nominated for the Entrepreneur Award due to making such a success of her business as well as being a single mother since her husband died in 2009.

Trish odes not employ women to do the practical work because it is heavy-duty but she does employ three women in the shop including one with a disability.

Employees are trained in products for sale and the requirements of clients to refer to the technicians.

"She is an excellent example of a woman doing a non-traditional job and making sure she is knowledgeable in all aspects of the business," her award nomination said.

"I am where the buck stops and I am dedicated to making sure that my staff are able to best help my customers," Ms Hardcastle said.

"We provide water analysis through photometer testing and all of my staff have a thorough knowledge of pool water chemistry," she said.

"This enables them to identify problems that may occur with the photometer system.

"I am passionate about my customers and the wellbeing of their pools and spas.

"We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and I see my business as being all about creating relationships," she said.

Another Entrepreneur Award winner from Woy Woy is Stacey Miller who runs Paper Pens and Printing, her own business, described as a very vibrant and innovative stationery and printing business.

According to Ms Miller's nomination statement for the award, she has transformed a mundane operation into an innovative, friendly and high-quality service with high-quality products and services.

She has introduced free wi fi and a loyalty program.

Stacey attends and participates in many business networking groups and encourages others to join.

She also contributes to the community with in-kind sponsorship and goes out of her way to satisfy product needs, including delivering straight to a client's office.

She employs three women and has trained each to deliver a high level of service and professionalism.

Louise Williams from St Huberts Island, owner of LAW Building and Design, is also an Entrepreneur Award recipient, which she will add to the 16 awards for design and business she has accumulated in only 12 years of business.

She also won the 2009 Central Coast Women in Business Award.

Her designs are innovative yet affordable.

Louise completes all the design work and supervises projects for LAW Building Design.

From time to time the business has employed up and coming architectural drafts women and her business provides work experience opportunities on the Central Coast.

Media release, 6 Jan 2016

Chris Levis, BPW Central Coast