Chamber announces Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2026 shortlist
The awards recognise truly inspiring leaders, future leaders, entrepreneurs and employers making a lasting impact on their colleagues, organisations, communities and the wider North East region.
This year’s finalists represent a broad range of sectors and size of organisation, from small businesses carving a niche in this region to large exporters making waves on the international stage.
Finalists competing for the Business Leader of the Year award, sponsored by Sweeney Miller Law, include Helen Cowie (Eldon Square), Leah Barrett (Global Procurement Group) and Jayne Meir (Northumbria Police).
In the Inspiring Woman in Business – Small Business category, sponsored by Bishop Auckland College, the shortlist features Jamilah Hassan (JH Property Connect), Kathryn Meadows (Nicholsons Butchers), Sarah Reid (Richard Reed Solicitors) and Sam Spoors (Talentheads).
The finalists for Inspiring Woman in Business – More Than 50 Employees category, sponsored by Handelsbanken, are Katie O’Brien (Komatsu UK), Michelle Robson (PD Ports), Laura Auty (RS Industrial Services) and Lucy Jenkins (Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens).
Recognising global impact, the Inspiring Woman in Business – International Trade category includes Kerry Roper (Global Procurement Group), Katie Fryer (Greencare Mobility) and Michelle Robson (PD Ports) and is sponsored by Port of Tyne.
Maxine Fox (5 Circles), Alexandra and Leandra Saphiris (Manna Organic) and Sarah-Jane Ethan (The Soma Academy) are in the running for the Inspiring Woman in Business – New Business award, which is sponsored by Sage.
Finalists for Most Inspiring Employer – Small Business, sponsored by Intuit, are Holiday Inn Middlesbrough, Northumberland Football Association and The Montessori People.
The shortlist for the Most Inspiring Employer – More Than 50 Employees category, sponsored by RE:GEN Group, features Atom Bank, Mercedes Benz of Teesside and Ramside Estates.
Rheanne Chalmers (BTG Begbies Traynor), Priya Carr (Newcastle United Football Club) and Sophie Gravill (NEXUS) will go head-to-head in the Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by Hartlepool College.
In the One to Watch category, sponsored by Dame Allan’s Schools, the shortlist features Charlotte Graham (Hiyed CIC), Morgan Saville (NEXUS), Inass Khalaf (Redrose Manufacturing) and Samantha Rennison (The Experience Effect).
The awards also recognise the positive impact women are making on the region’s charities and social enterprises.
The finalists in the running for the Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Business award, sponsored by Hargreaves, include Kelly Smith (SPELK.), Dawn Gaskin (Tekmar) and Jane Austin (Wave).
The shortlist for the Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Charity category, sponsored by North East Women and Girls Fund at Community Foundation North East, includes Tori Bradison (Northern Cancer Voices), Sandra Roberts (Pioneering Care Partnership), Sarah McPhie (Stockton and District Citizens Advice Bureau) and Sophia Stovall (Tyne Rivers Trust).
In the Community and CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Social Enterprise category, sponsored by North East Enterprise Agency, the shortlist includes Sihle Mapanda (2way Tenancy Solutions CIC), Tracy Fee (Hiyed CIC) and Caroline Afolabi-Deleu (Success4All CIC).
Chamber events and awards manager, Ashley Carney, who leads the awards programme, said: “The calibre of this year’s entries has been truly exceptional and a real source of inspiration. They reflect the outstanding leadership, resilience and creativity of talented women from across the North East, highlighting the incredible contribution they make to their organisations and the wider community.
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise women who are achieving remarkable success while supporting and inspiring those around them and creating a positive impact across our region.
“Congratulations to every one of our finalists. We’re delighted to celebrate your achievements with you at Newcastle Civic Centre next month and we look forward to what promises to be a fantastic occasion.”
The Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2026 will take place on the afternoon of Friday 27 November at Newcastle Civic Centre, with tickets available on the Chamber website soon. The awards are sponsored by headline sponsor Newcastle International Airport.
Alice Andreasen, chief corporate affairs officer at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Inspiring Women in Business Awards for the third consecutive year. We can’t wait to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those shortlisted as well as showcase the fantastic opportunities that the aviation industry can offer professionals at all levels.”
More information is available here.