Awards Categories
Inspiring Woman in Business - Business Leader of the Year
This category is open to inspiring women who have a strong regional profile and have achieved accomplishments of significance over their career. Nominees will possess qualities of vision, innovation, entrepreneurial drive and leadership. A woman who goes above and beyond, with evidence of giving back to business and the community/or individuals. A role model to all - a truly inspiring woman.
Sponsored by Sweeney Miller Law
Inspiring Women in Business Awards: Multiple Awards
Focusing on individuals within our member organisations who deserve recognition, be it for their contribution to their organisation, the region or to other colleagues:
- Inspiring Woman in Business: For small businesses under 50 employees
- Inspiring Woman in Business: For larger businesses with over 50 employees – sponsored by Handelsbanken
- Inspiring Woman in Business: For our international trade members
- Inspiring Woman in Business New Business Award: For Start Ups, Solos and new businesses under 3 years – sponsored by Sage
Most Inspiring Employer: Multiple Awards
Awarded to the member organisations which have made a significant contribution to the development and retention of women in their workforce, whilst inspiring the next generation of women in business:
- Most Inspiring Employer: For small businesses with under 50 employees – sponsored by Intuit
- Most Inspiring Employer: For businesses with over 50 employees – sponsored by Re:Gen Group
Apprentice of the Year
Would you like to recognise an outstanding apprentice you have within your organisation, or know personally or professionally, who represents the next generation of women in business?
Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year: Business Award
This will be awarded to the individual who has actively been involved in supporting charity or the local community. The nominee could also be someone who has implemented initiatives and champions corporate social responsibility. The winner will be passionate about making a difference
Sponsored by Hargreaves
Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year: Social enterprise
This new award recognises an inspiring woman making a difference in a social enterprise and using business as a force for good. Open to women in social enterprises, the category celebrates leadership, innovation and measurable impact, including positive social, environmental or community change. A social enterprise is defined by its purpose, not its legal form. It is a business with primarily social objectives, where surpluses are principally reinvested in the business or community rather than used to maximise profit for shareholders or owners. Social enterprises are also expected to generate most of their income through trade, rather than relying on grants and donations.
The winner will be passionate about making a difference, resilient, with strong values and evidence of sustainable impact.
Sponsored by NorthEast Enterprise Agency
Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year: Charity Award
This new category will be awarded to an individual who is employed by a charity, voluntary or third sector organisation, with registered charity status (excluding social enterprises and CICs, please see additional category). This person could be responsible for implementing new services or campaigns, or be a champion for their colleagues ensuring wellbeing within the organisation. The nominee could be someone who has implemented initiatives to champion and enable corporate social responsibility with partner/supporter businesses. The winner will be passionate about making a difference and be able to demonstrate the impact their work has had on the organisation’s beneficiaries or income.
Sponsored by Community Foundation North East
One to Watch
This category is open to individuals doing amazing work. One to watch might be a future leader, a rising star with an exciting future ahead. Alternatively, the nominee could be an individual who is experienced in their field – a future star to look out for and ‘one to watch’.
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."
Benefits of entering
- Free marketing – being shortlisted improves brand awareness, maximises your visibility and promotes your business.
- You will receive an image/logo to promote that you are shortlisted or a winner – you can use this on marketing materials, emails and socials.
- Celebrating hard work and success creates great PR opportunities.
- Boost morale – winning an award feels great. Employees will feel proud of being part of the business. It may also support recruitment.
- Stand out from your competition.
- Increase your credibility – a win is a sign of quality for potential customers.