East Midlands businesswomen receive top awards for outstanding achievement

Women with exceptional entrepreneurial skill, stand out apprentices and emerging leaders are among the recipients of the 2024 Enterprising Women Awards.

Organised by East Midlands Chamber's Enterprising Women network, the prestigious event took place at Leicestershire's Winstanley House on 20^th September. ITV presenter Emma Jesson, who has hosted the event every year since its launch over a decade ago, announced the winners, spanning ten categories, as well as two special recognition awards.

The Businesswoman of the Year Award - sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear - went to Andrea Gray, Managing Director of Leicester-based music licencing company PPL PRS. Andrea said: "What a huge honour to win this award - I'm absolutely blown away. There was some phenomenal competition in this category. I want to say a huge thank you to Enterprising Women and East Midlands Chamber who put on these awards, as well as Michael Smith Switchgear for sponsoring this category."

Lifetime Achievement Winner Lindsey Williams with Bhavin Gandhi of Paradigm Wills and Legal Services

The Lifetime Achievement Award - sponsored by Paradigm Wills and Legal Services - was presented to Lindsey Williams, formerly Chief Executive of Futures Housing Group and a former President of East Midlands Chamber. Judges described Lindsey as "an exceptional leader who has made a major contribution to the East Midlands business community for over 20 years. Lindsey has shared her expertise and experience to champion women in business, and who truly embodies the values of Enterprising Women."

Enterprising Women Co-Chair Eileen Perry said: "All I can say is - 'wow!' There are those moments in life where you have to take a moment, a few seconds to reflect and you feel so incredibly proud of the East Midlands and its businesswomen.

"What we've seen right here this evening, evidenced as each and every one of our region's winning women stepped up onto the stage, is that Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are blessed with women that aren't just keeping a business ticking over; they're leading. They're leading change, they're leading ideas and giving people inspiration. We've seen sheer hard work and determination shine.

"We hold the Enterprising Women Awards each year to celebrate the very best of female business talent in the East Midlands and I extend my thanks to all of the sponsors who made this glitzy evening so memorable. I only wish there was an award for every one of the finalists as the standard was exceptional."

Enterprising Women co-chair Jean Mountain said: "Being able to stand next to these women that have done so much for women in business in the East Midlands is something that cannot be underestimated. We can all look up to, all learn from, and all aspire to be like the businesswomen that have been recognised at this ceremony.

"While the network is 'Enterprising Women', winning an award is really elevating the role of women in business. It's not just achievement; it's attitude. The winners of these awards are women who don't stand back - they're generating new ideas and they're influencing the people around them to achieve too.

"The quality bar has been broken tonight as, once again, we've seen exceptional entries and I've no doubt the judges will have pulled their hair out during selection. In my mind everyone that entered is a winner, because by doing so you're doing East Midlands women proud. I'd like to give my deepest thanks to the sponsors that helped make this a spectacular evening."

ITV presenter Emma Jesson, after the hosting the ceremony said:

"There's so much innovation and resilience and it's fantastic to see women in business across a wide range of sectors and backgrounds recognised, as well as ladies at different parts of their career journey, whether starting out in apprenticeship roles or already highly successful business leaders."

Nicki Robson, Managing Director of Breedon Consulting, sponsor of the Team of the Year Award said:

"We're HR consultants and so we spend our lives trying to make teams the best they possibly can be and supporting our clients in doing that. So the Team of the Year Award was a natural fit for us. The ceremony has been brilliant, it always is."

Winners of the Enterprising Women Awards 2024:

Social Commitment Award (sponsored by Tomato Energy)

Celebrates women in business who demonstrate an innovative and proactive approach to corporate social responsibility and responsible business practice

WINNER: Emma Sharpe - Menphys

Female Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)

Celebrates the commitment of an Apprentice and their ability to make a difference within the organisation they work in

WINNER: Sarah Illsley - Pentaxia

Female Employee of the Year (sponsored by Nelsons)

Recognises a woman that has made a significant difference to their organisation, contributing to its overall success over the past 12 months

WINNER: Charlotte Barker - The Maynard

Emerging Leader Award (sponsored by Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching)

Celebrates someone who has achieved exceptional career growth, with potential to develop into a future leader

WINNER: Alice Houghton - The George Hathersage

She Who Innovates in STEM (sponsored by Pick Everard)

Celebrates individuals and female led teams who have used, driven, or led innovation within the field of STEM

WINNER: Elena Richards - Rolls Royce PLC

Female Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)

Celebrates a woman in business for the last 5 years, who has developed and grown the business from clear vision and planning

WINNER: Michelle Williams - Meesh Consulting

Small Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)

Recognises women who own or manage a small organisation and has achieved consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance

WINNER: Design Studio Architects

Team of the Year (sponsored by Breedon Consulting)

Recognises a team that is achieving success through the leadership and management of a dynamic female leader

WINNER: Bodie Hodges Foundation

Businesswoman of the Year (sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)

Celebrates a businesswoman who demonstrates all-round excellence in business

WINNER: Andrea Gray - PPL PRS

Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Paradigm Wills & Legal Services)

A female who has contributed to business in the region and their sector for 10 years or more. Someone who has shared their expertise and used their voice along the way to support women in business, and who embodies the values of Enterprising Women

WINNER: Lindsey Williams

Enterprising Women Co-Chair Special Recognition Awards

WINNER: Lai-Yee Cheung - Sanjay Foods

WINNER: Laura Holland - EcoTech Engineers

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