Two Ashford businesswomen have been shortlisted for the 2013 national First Women Awards.

Entrepreneur Jan Post, who established specialist tax refund and claims company RIFT in 1999, has been nominated in the finance category of the awards.

Her company, which is located at Eureka Park, Ashford, helps workers claim back expenses from HMRC. Ms Post was a finalist in the 2012 Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) in the Entrepreneur of the Year category.

In the running in the business services category is Emily Kettle, managing director of Ashford market research company, Facts International.

The awards, now in their eighth year, were created by Real Business and the CBI (Confederation of Business Industry) to recognise women whose achievements will inspire future generations.

The First Women Awards will take place in London in June, hosted by sports broadcaster Clare Balding.