Go's chief executive has won a major business award

Barbara Cassani has been named Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year in recognition of her part in the airline's huge growth.

US-born Ms Cassani, 41, has tried to break down the barriers between management and other staff by recording a weekly taped telephone update on the state of the business and making sure everyone has her mobile phone number and e-mail address.

Go recognises trade unions and has a staff consultative group, allowing elected representatives from different parts of the business to meet and raise issues.

"I have tried to develop a degree of openness and to 'humanise' the treatment of staff," says Ms Cassani, whose firm now employs 900 workers and has an annual turnover of more than £225 million.

"I want an environment where people are respected, no office politics, no double talk. I try to treat people fairly, promote those who perform well and to have a bit of fun because we spend so much time in the office."

She says: "I want to create an atmosphere where going to work is a pleasure."

Ms Cassani, who has two young children, says balancing work and home life is difficult, but she devotes her weekends to her family and her other main outside interest - three-day eventing.

Boston-born Ms Cassani, a former British Airways executive, founded Go in 1997 and has served as chief executive since then.

She was presented with her award by broadcaster Sue MacGregor at a ceremony in London.