For 38 consecutive years, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne brand, founded by Nicole Ponsardin, the famous widow Madame Clicquot, is saluting the UK business women for their grand achievements in work as well as dedication for providing positive changes in the social and health care spheres. Now, the brand is encouraging female leaders to send applications for a chance to receive 2011 The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year Award.

The award was first presented in 1972 to commemorate the brand’s bi-centenary, and since that time every year the brand pays tribute to “women who deliberately embed socially and environmentally responsible business practices within their businesses” and rewards them “thus recognizing the impact of their activities on the environment or society.”

The brand invites to fill in the special form, which can be downloaded from the dedicated website, or recommend a female business leader you know. The submission period is open until January 17, and in early March the judging panel will shortlist the nominees to five. The award-holder, who will be announced on April 12, is to receive a silver trophy and a case of La Grande Dame special vintage. She will be also invited to participate in the International Businesswoman forum at Veuve Clicquot in Reims and visit the Manoir de Verzy and the brand’s vineyards. Veuve Clicquot Champagne will provide the winner with a unique opportunity to give her name to a vine growing there, will make her a Friend of the Widow and send a gift of Champagne every birthday for life.

Last year’s winner was Laura Tenison, Founder and Managing Director of retailing company, JoJo Maman Bebe, selling pregnancy, baby and nursery products. She’s both a business leader and a person deeply involved with charitable organizations such as the Nema Foundation, a Mozambique-based charity for infant mortality.