Heels & Deals, the network for female entrepreneurs, won the award for being the most innovative business at the SME Stars of Business Awards last night. Organisers of the event and publisher of SME Advisor magazine, CPI, announced they had received an overwhelming response to the awards with over 3,500 nominations received.

In a speech made at the summit during the day, Heels & Deals co-founder Claire Fenner announced that the organisation has just taken its first step in achieving its vision of supporting female entrepreneurs around the world. Claire commented, "We are really excited to have launched an online payment gateway which allows women entrepreneurs from all over the world to connect with like-minded women on our website. Membership applications and payment can now be made securely and easily so new applicants can quickly start enjoying the membership benefits and connecting with our community of amazing UAE based women entrepreneurs. The site benefits members by providing a platform for the women to connect with each other, share support and knowledge and gain exposure for their own businesses".

She further commented, "This award is wonderful recognition that we are constantly innovating to provide the very best value and support to our members. With overseas members, the experience will be riche and all members will get increased value.  We don't think outside the box; we don't believe there is a box".

Georgie Hearson, fellow co-founder, commented on the win, "It is an absolute honour to have received this award. We have dedicated the award to the wonderful members of Heels & Deals who continually inspire us and to women entrepreneurs everywhere. Without the support of a great many people, we wouldn't have been able to achieve the results we have since launching in April 2009. It is with support of companies like H2O New Media, our website partner who created the payment gateway, that has helped us to constantly innovate. We are so proud to be taking another great brand born in the UAE, out to the rest of the world".