THE CHIEF executive and founder of low-cost airline Go, has landed a top award for businesswomen.

Barbara Cassani, 41, has been named Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year.

She saw off competition from five other finalists, including Chey Garland, founder and chief executive of Garlands Call Centres, in Hartlepool.

Ms Cassani received her award at a ceremony at Claridge's in London, yesterday, from the former presenter of Radio Four's Today programme, Sue MacGregor.

In June last year, Ms Cassani led a management buyout of Go, founded in 1998 by British Airways.

At the same time the airline, which has operations at Newcastle Airport, reported full year profits of £4.2m on turnover of £225m.

Before joining British Airways, Ms Cassani was a management consultant with Coopers and Lybrand in the US capital Washington and London.

John West, managing director of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, said: "The panel chose Barbara against the stiffest competition for her achievement in leading Go Fly to independence and the uniqueness of her position in running a world airline."

As well as a trophy, Ms Cassani will visit the company's vineyards in France and meet award winners from 11 other countries.

A vine will be named after each of the winners, who will also receive a gift of champagne every birthday.