North East businesswomen celebrated at the 2025 Inspiring Women in Business Awards
Now in its fifth year, the awards took place under their new name for the first time, following a refresh from the Inspiring Females Awards.
Chamber president, Deborah Walton, opened the event by highlighting the importance of recognising women at every stage of their careers.
“This event is always one of the highlights of the Chamber calendar. It’s a celebration of talent, ambition and leadership – and it’s about recognising the women helping to shape the future of our region’s economy.”
“Inspiring Women in Business reflects modern leadership, equality and ambition. It shows our commitment to ensuring that every woman at every stage of her career is represented and supported within our business community.”
The awards showcased women making a difference across entrepreneurship, innovation, international business, education, engineering, policing, community leadership and more. Finalists were selected from a record number of entries, a reflection of what organisers described as an exceptional year of achievement.
Ashley Carney, events and awards manager at the Chamber, said: “Every year we’re reminded of the depth of talent across the North East, and 2025 has been no exception. Our finalists have achieved outstanding things in their respective fields and continue to raise the bar for what good leadership and role models look like across our region. Each of them is a winner in their own right.”
Celebrating women making an impact
Winners were announced across 12 categories, including Apprentice of the Year, Inspiring Woman in Business, New Business, Most Inspiring Employer, Community & CSR and Business Leader of the Year.
Winners and highly commended included:
- Inspiring Woman in Business – Small Business: Victoria Taylor (Probe Industries Ltd)
- Highly commended: Tamma Carel (Imvelo Ltd)
- Inspiring Woman in Business – Over 50 Employees: Gill Hunter (Square One Law)
- Highly commended: Sam Rennison (Northumbria Police)
- Inspiring Woman in Business – International: Dr Samantha Lunn (Palintest Ltd)
- Highly commended: Tamsin Warren (Port of Tyne)
- Inspiring Woman in Business – New Business: Cheryl Spears (Spear-heads)
- Most Inspiring Employer – Small Business: E3 Design Ltd
- Most Inspiring Employer – Over 50 Employees: Hay & Kilner
- Inspiring Woman in Business – Business Leader of the Year: Liz Bromley (NCG)
- Community & CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Business: Jane Heath (Grand Hotel Gosforth Park)
- Highly commended: Sophie Vassallo (TT2 Tyne Tunnels)
- Community & CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Charity: Steph Capewell (Love, Amelia)
- Highly commended: Alisar Taylor (True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation) and Gemma Lockyer Turnbull (NE Youth Ltd)
- Apprentice of the Year: Emma Allison (Quora Group)
- One to Watch: Aoife Forbes (Forbes Finishings)
- Highly commended: Lawizah Din (Northumbrian Water Group)
Outstanding Contribution to the North East
The afternoon concluded with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to the North East award, recognising a woman whose leadership, expertise and commitment have had a profound and lasting impact on the region.
This year’s honour went to Professor Ruth Plummer MBE, a pioneering oncologist, clinical researcher and driving force behind the forthcoming £30m Sir Bobby Robson Institute. Her work has been central to progressing cancer trials, improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of cancer research across the North East.
Reflecting on the award, Professor Plummer said:“It’s a privilege to contribute to work that brings real hope to patients and their families. The North East has a long history of innovation and collaboration in healthcare, and the Sir Bobby Robson Institute will build on that strength to deliver even greater progress for our region.”
Inclusive workplaces and collective progress
One theme stood out across every category: the importance of inclusive, supportive workplaces. This year’s finalists showed the value of networks, visibility and environments where people can progress. It highlights that progress is built collectively, through shared experience and advocacy.
Lynn Perry, chief people officer at Newcastle International Airport, the event’s headline sponsor, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this important event for the second year running. These awards celebrate the women shaping our region’s economic future. The Airport’s Ambassador Programme is a clear example of what happens when employers invest in visibility, mentoring and real-world experience. By giving Newcastle College students direct access to professionals and industry insight, we’re helping them see where their talents can take them. Recognition like this inspires confidence, breaks down barriers and shows that the North East is a place where women can lead and succeed.”
The ceremony featured musical performances from talented performing arts students at Newcastle College.
The 2025 Inspiring Women in Business Awards were hosted by North East advocate and former BBC senior journalist Charlie Charlton, who led the celebrations with her trademark warmth and energy.
The drinks reception was kindly supported by Hargreaves Services Plc, with headline sponsorship from Newcastle International Airport.
Award categories were sponsored by Dame Allan’s Schools, Handelsbanken, Hargreaves Services Plc, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Intuit, PD Ports, Sage and Sweeney Miller Law.
Ends
Press images:
Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2025 – Winners and Highly Commended
Inspiring Women in Business Awards 2025 – Host, Charlie Charlton
