CALL centre entrepreneur Chey Garland has been shorlisted for the Veuve Cliquot Businesswoman of the Year Award.

She is one of five high flying businesswomen from industries ranging from aviation to magazines who are in the running for award to be presented at Claridges in London on Thursday, April 25.

Joining her on the shortlist is Barbara Cassini, chief executive of low-cost airline Go, which has operations at Newcastle Airport.

Chey Garland's Garland's Call Centres business, based at Hartlepool Marina, employs more than 1,400 people, has a turnover of £12.25m and contributes more than £10m to the local economy.

The business handles outsourced call centre operations for a number of clients, including Vodafone, Cable and Wireless, Egg and Powergen.

Others on the shortlist for the award, to be presented by broadcaster Sue MacGregor, are: Sly Bailey, chief executive of magazine publisher IPC Media Group; Rachel Elnaugh, chairman of Red Letter Days, which arranges treats such as balloon rides and Jo Malone, chairman of her own skin care and fragrances company.