Meet our 2026 finalists
Inspiring Woman in Business - Business Leader of the Year
This award recognises an inspiring woman with a strong regional profile who has achieved significant success during her career, demonstrating vision, innovation, entrepreneurial drive and leadership while giving back to business, the community or individuals.
Shortlisted:
- Helen Cowie – Eldon Square
- Leah Barrett – Global Procurement Group
- Jayne Meir – Northumbria Police
Sponsored by Sweeney Miller Law
Inspiring Women in Business Awards: Multiple Awards
Recognising an inspiring woman working within a business with fewer than 50 employees who has made a difference to her organisation, colleagues or the wider region. The award celebrates role models whose passion, drive and achievements inspire others.
Inspiring Woman in Business: For small businesses under 50 employees
Shortlisted:
- Jamilah Hassan – JH Property Connect
- Kathryn Meadows – Nicholsons Butchers
- Sarah Reid – Richard Reed Solicitors
- Sam Spoors – Talentheads
Sponsored by Bishop Auckland College
Inspiring Woman in Business: For larger businesses with over 50 employees
This award celebrates an inspiring woman working within a larger organisation who has made a significant contribution to her business, colleagues or the North East. It recognises women whose energy, achievements and leadership make them positive role models for others.
Shortlisted:
- Katie O’Brien – Komatsu UK
- Michelle Robson – PD Ports
- Laura Auty – RS Industrial Services
- Lucy Jenkins – Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens
Sponsored by Handelsbanken
Inspiring Woman in Business: For our international trade members
Recognising an inspiring woman working within an internationally trading business who has made an outstanding contribution to her organisation and inspires others through her passion, drive and achievements.
Shortlisted:
- Kerry Roper – Global Procurement Group
- Katie Fryer – Greencare Mobility
- Michelle Robson – PD Ports
Sponsored by Port of Tyne
Inspiring Woman in Business New Business Award: For Start Ups, Solos and new businesses under 3 years
This award recognises an inspiring woman within a start-up, sole trader or new business under three years old, celebrating the passion, drive and achievements of women building the next generation of North East businesses.
Shortlisted:
- Maxine Fox – 5 Circles
- Alexandra and Leandra Saphiris – Manna Organic
- Sarah-Jane Ethan – The Soma Academy
Sponsored by Sage
Most Inspiring Employer: Multiple Awards
Most Inspiring Employer: For small businesses with under 50 employees
Awarded to a small member organisation that has made a significant contribution to developing and retaining women in its workforce, while helping to inspire the next generation of women in business.
Shortlisted:
- Holiday Inn Middlesbrough
- Northumberland Football Association
- The Montessori People
Sponsored by Intuit
Most Inspiring Employer: For businesses with over 50 employees
This award recognises a larger organisation that demonstrates a strong commitment to developing and retaining women in its workforce, including supporting women into senior roles and inspiring the next generation.
Shortlisted:
- Atom Bank
- Mercedes Benz of Teesside
- Ramside Estates
Sponsored by Re:Gen Group
Apprentice of the Year
Celebrating an outstanding female apprentice who represents the next generation of women in business and is making a positive impact within her organisation through her achievements, passion and potential.
Shortlisted:
- Rheanne Chalmers – BTG Begbies Traynor
- Priya Carr – Newcastle United Football Club
- Sophie Gravill – NEXUS
Sponsored by Hartlepool College
Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year: Business Award
Recognising a woman who is making a difference through charity, community or corporate social responsibility activity, whether by supporting local causes or leading initiatives that deliver a positive impact for people, communities or the environment.
Shortlisted:
- Kelly Smith – SPELK.
- Dawn Gaskin – Tekmar
- Jane Austin – Wave
Sponsored by Hargreaves
Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year: Social enterprise
Recognising an inspiring woman using business as a force for good within a social enterprise. The award celebrates leadership, innovation and measurable social, environmental or community impact, alongside a commitment to creating sustainable positive change.
Shortlisted:
- Sihle Mapanda – 2way Tenancy Solutions CIC
- Tracy Fee – Hiyed CIC
- Caroline Afolabi-Deleu – Success4All CIC
Sponsored by NorthEast Enterprise Agency
Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year: Charity Award
This award celebrates an inspiring woman working within a charity, voluntary or third-sector organisation who is making a meaningful difference through new services, campaigns, colleague support or initiatives that positively impact beneficiaries and communities.
Shortlisted:
- Tori Bradison – Northern Cancer Voices
- Sandra Roberts – Pioneering Care Partnership
- Sarah McPhie – Stockton and District Citizens Advice Bureau
- Sophia Stovall – Tyne Rivers Trust
Sponsored by the North East Women and Girls Fund at Community Foundation North East
One to Watch
This category celebrates an individual doing outstanding work who shows the potential to become a future leader. It recognises rising stars who inspire others, demonstrate ambition and are making their mark within their chosen field.
- Charlotte Graham – Hiyed CIC
- Morgan Saville – NEXUS
- Inass Khalaf – Redrose Manufacturing
- Samantha Rennison – The Experience Effect
Sponsored by Dame Allan’s Schools
Our headline sponsor
"Newcastle Airport is proud to headline sponsor the Inspiring Women in Business Awards for a third year. The Airport plays a major role in the North East’s economy, contributing more than £1bn to the region each year, supporting around 3,500 onsite jobs and over 17,000 jobs in the wider supply chain.
Supporting these awards is important to us because they celebrate the ambition, leadership and achievements of women across our region, while helping to shine a light on the career opportunities available across different sectors.
With 120 rewarding roles across 20 departments, the Airport offers career opportunities for people at every stage. We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of this year’s nominees."