The global economic meltdown is focusing customers' minds on the need for ethical business - businesses which benefit people and the environment while delivering a profit. And, in many cases, it is women who are leading the ethical business movement which is why The Times is supporting the Triodos Women in Ethical Business Awards.

Triodos Bank launched the awards in 2006 to celebrate the achievements of the UK's most inspiring ethical business women. The first round of judging for this years awards have taken place and below are the nine women who are shortlisted for the various award categories.

This year you can vote for who - from the shortlist - you think should win The Times Readers' Award. Click here to place your vote. The deadline is Friday June 19 at 5pm.

Anne MacCaig, Cafédirect

Anne MacCaig is the chief executive of Cafédirect and has been shortlisted for the WEBAs because the company has an inspiring business model designed to generate social, financial and environmental benefits for a wide group of people, within a highly competitive and commodity based market. Anne has the passion and commitment to grow the organisation with the grower community at the heart of the mission and vision for the company.

A team of just 38 people in London work with 39 grower organisations, encompassing 246,949 growers across 13 developing countries, positively impacting the lives of 1.4m people. Growers have two seats on the board, own shares in the company, and are involved in all aspects of the company’s work.

Cafédirect produced the first Fairtrade coffee available in the UK supermarkets, as well as the first Fairtrade instant coffee and have helped to shift the fair trade market from the margins to the mainstream.

Over the last five years, Cafédirect has invested more than £3m in its grower partners, representing more than half of the company’s profits and has paid more than £7.5 million above market prices for its raw materials.

“Our partnership with Cafédirect has been a lifechanging experience. It has enabled us to improve our economic wellbeing, enhance the quality of life for our families, and means of protecting the environment.” Antenor Saavedra, a coffee farmer from San Ignacio Co-operative in Peru.

No of employees – 38 people centrally. Turnover £23m in 2007/8.

Sheron Carter, Arhag Housing Association

Sheron Carter is the chief executive of Arhag and has been in post for two years. Prior to Sheron’s appointment the association had been through a difficult period and was viewed by the Housing Corporation and the Audit Commission as a failing organisation.