We donned our glad rags and swished up the red carpet at the rather grand Marriott hotel in London's Mayfair to attend the 2008 BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards.

The event, now in its third year, recognises the achievements of women working in the technology sector in the UK.

But the awards also aim to address the deficit of women coming into this male-dominated industry by applauding the achievements of the few who have made an impact. Right on!

As Charmaine Eggberry, VP and managing director of EMEA for BlackBerry writes: "There are many leaders in the industry today that can inspire a new generation who may be considering a career in technology. By showcasing their stories, we can not only celebrate inspirational women, but also encourage others to consider similar, equally challenging careers".

The awards were hosted by none of than former Tomorrow's World presenter, Maggie Philbin, and the winners are...

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY A WOMAN WITHIN THE CORPORATE SECTOR:
Jayne Opperman, CIO, Central Functions, Lloyds TSB

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY UNDER 30 YEAR OLD WOMAN
Lisa Ditlefsen, founder of www.SEO-Chicks.com

BEST WOMAN IN TECHNOLOGY (PUBLIC SECTOR AND ACADEMIA)
Lizbeth Goodman, director of SMARTlab

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY WITHIN THE MULTIMEDIA INDUSTRY BY A WOMAN
Beatriz Alonso-Martinez, Avid Technology Europe Ltd

BEST COMPANY ADVANCING WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
Bt Group

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY A WOMAN IN SMALL OR MEDIUM BUSINESS
Polly Gowers, CEO of www.everyclick.com

BEST FEMALE MENTOR
Kate Bishop of Dell

BLACKBERRY OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN TECHNOLOGY
Lizbeth Goodman, director of SMARTlab

>> Link - BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards 2008