Is there a woman in your workplace who you think could be crowned BT Business Woman of the Year?

If your boss or colleague has shown determination, drive and has made a real difference in her working environment then you should nominate her so her efforts can be recognised in this category which is being sponsored by Life Communications.

Your nominee could be a guest of honour at the BT Woman of the Year gala awards ceremony to be held in Belfast's Europa Hotel on Wednesday, November 28.

Compered by BBC Radio Ulster presenter Wendy Austin, the night promises to be a celebration of the most inspirational women in Northern Ireland.

One of our judges in the competition, which is being run in association with Spar, is Beth Robinson, a partner in estate agency Templeton Robinson.

With a high-flying career in residential sales which has spanned three decades, she knows what it takes to be successful in business in Northern Ireland.

When Beth, now 50, started out as a secretary in Brian Morton's estate agency at 18 there weren't many women in senior positions, but under guidance from a female colleague, whom Beth says was "extremely enthusiastic and supportive", she moved into sales.

After only seven years with the company she was given her own branch on Belfast's Ormeau Road and shortly afterwards was made senior branch officer, responsible for nine branches.

In 1994 she set up her own firm on the Lisburn Road - the first of the Templeton Robinson estate agencies - in partnership with Denis Templeton and Keith Mitchell.

The move required a firm belief that everything would work out, as well as a lot of commitment.

Now, the firm employs more than 50 people in offices across the city.

But coping with the long hours and pressure isn't for the faint-hearted.

"You have to be prepared to run morning, noon and night," Beth says.

She's well aware of the stress of buying and selling your home and says that, as an estate agent, she's always trying to weigh up how clients are feeling and trying to react accordingly.

Married to David, an accountant, and living in south Belfast, it's clear that she enjoys a full and happy life, and has endless enthusiasm, listing bodypump among her hobbies.

"I haven't had any children, which was just the luck of the draw, so I've put a lot of energy into my working life, and it's a big part of who I am," she says.

After a battle with breast cancer eight years ago she says she has learnt to appreciate things that she may have taken for granted in the past.

"I was out of the workplace for three months, which taught me lots of things, like nobody's irreplaceable and everything carries on."

Although she tries to take more time out for herself these days, she still thrives on the buzz of closing a sale.

"I still maintain that every day I learn something new.

"I get an amazing amount of satisfaction from getting a house on the market, getting instructions to sell and closing the sale.

"I think the day when that goes would be the day I have to say 'ok, it's time to hang my boots up', but at the minute I still find the business really fascinating."

Beth says the winner of the business category of the awards will be someone who has made an extraordinary contribution in the workplace.

But as well as being highly-focused judges will be looking for someone who is well-rounded, showing enthusiasm and imagination.

"I am personally thrilled to be involved in this very wide-reaching and worthwhile contest," Beth said.

"Hopefully it will reveal a number of dynamic characters and winners who embody a passion and zest for a new Northern Ireland," says Beth.

"I hope this contest will continue for many years and indeed that it might become a highlight of the annual business calendar."

Darlene McCormick, managing director, Life Communications says: "As a businesswoman I fully appreciate and admire the special talents and commitment required by any business person who strives to excel in their field.

"It is very important that we take time to celebrate the success of those individuals who make it to the top.

"The Belfast Telegraph Businesswoman of the Year is an opportunity to do that and Life Communications - with its track record of excellence in public relations - is delighted to help make it happen."

Nominate your choice for BT Woman of the Year

Enter the competition by telling us in under 200 words why your nominee should win in their category.  For each of the nine categories the nominee should have been in her line of work for a least a year and have demonstrated a particular achievement.

You should say how she has inspired others and how she has shown passion, drive and energy in her endeavours.

Send your entry to womanoftheyear@belfasttelegraph.co.uk or post it to BT Woman of the Year, Belfast Telegraph, 124-144 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1EB.

And, by nominating someone, you and a friend are in with a chance of winning one of five pairs of tickets for the gala ceremony, worth £100. The closing date for entries is November 12.

If you want to attend the ceremony you can buy tickets, priced £50, from JPR (tel: 9076 0066). Nominees and those nominating must be over 18.