Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2025 shortlist announced
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The Chamber has revealed the shortlist for its Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2025, celebrating women across the region who are driving change, innovation and growth.
This year’s shortlist recognises the achievements of inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs and employers making a lasting impact on their organisations and communities, with finalists representing a wide range of sectors, sizes and stages of business.
Finalists for Inspiring Woman in Business – Small Business, sponsored by Intuit, include Kathryn Meadows (Nicholsons Butchers), Jessica Gwaringa (Moonrise 24HR), Tamma Carel (Imvelo Ltd) and Victoria Taylor (Probe Industries Ltd).
In the Inspiring Woman in Business – Over 50 Employees category, sponsored by Handelsbanken, the shortlist features Gill Hunter (Square One Law), Jo Phillips (Newcastle College), Laura Auty (RS Industrial Services) and Sam Rennison (Northumbria Police).
Recognising global impact, finalists for Inspiring Woman in Business – International Business, sponsored by Newcastle International Airport, are Dr Samantha Lunn (Palintest Ltd), Natascia Ganzerla (ElringKlinger GB Ltd) and Tamsin Warren (Port of Tyne).
Those shortlisted for Inspiring Woman in Business – New Business, sponsored by Sage, include Cheryl Spears (Spearheads), Kelly Smith (Spelk Studio) and Norma O’Sullivan (The Way Home Consulting).
Finalists for Most Inspiring Employer – Small Business, also sponsored by Sage, are BJM Group UK, E3Design Ltd and Week2Week.
In the Most Inspiring Employer – Over 50 Employees category, sponsored by Handelsbanken, Bernicia, Hay & Kilner, and Muckle LLP are all in the running.
Finalists for Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Hartlepool College of Further Education, include Elysia Kirtley (Northumbrian Water Group), Emma Allison (Quora Group) and Tehya McElvogue (Newcastle College).
In the One to Watch category, sponsored by Dame Allan’s Schools, the shortlist features Aoife Forbes (Forbes Finishings), Harriet Miller (Access Training Ltd), Lawizah Din (Northumbrian Water Group) and Lesley Cuthbertson (Pitman Training).
Finalists for Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by Sweeney Miller Law, include Chloë Clover (Wander), Liz Bromley (NCG) and Louise Bradford (Creo Comms).
Recognising women making a difference in their communities, the shortlist for Community & CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Business, sponsored by Hargreaves, includes Jane Heath (Grand Gosforth Park), Sophie Vassallo (TT2 Tyne Tunnels) and Laura Telford (Holiday Inn Middlesbrough).
In the Community & CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Charity category, sponsored by PD Ports, finalists are Alisar Taylor (True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation), Gemma Lockyer Turnbull (NE Youth Ltd) and Steph Capewell (Love, Amelia).
Chamber events and awards manager Ashley Carney, who leads the awards programme, said, “This year’s entries have been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing the remarkable talent, leadership and creativity of women across our region. These awards celebrate those who are not only achieving business success but also empowering others and making a real difference to their communities.
Congratulations to all our finalists – and we look forward to celebrating with you at Newcastle Civic Centre next month.”
The Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2025 will take place on Friday 28 November at Newcastle Civic Centre, with tickets available on Eventbrite soon.
The Inspiring Women in Business Awards are sponsored by headline sponsor Newcastle International Airport.
More information is available here.