Region’s most inspiring females honoured by Chamber

Our Inspiring Females Awards celebrate the region’s best businesswomen who are making a difference in their field, and took place in front of 400 guests at the Newcastle Civic Centre.

Award categories included Outstanding Contribution to the North East, Most Inspiring Employer, Apprentice of the Year and, new for 2024, Community and CSR Inspiring Female of the Year Charity Award.

Deborah Walton, Chamber president and CFO at Palintest, said: “Our Inspiring Females programme is one of the most prominent areas of our events programme and has grown significantly over the years. To have 400 people in the room today is testament to that.

“We’re proud to recognise truly inspiring women across the North East business community, those who make a difference in their field, to their businesses and colleagues, to their community and to our great region.

“A massive well done to all of our winners today, and to those who were nominated. You’re all making such a significant and valued contribution to the North East, and I know I’ve been very inspired and touched to hear your stories.”

Ashley Carney, Chamber events manager, said: “A huge congratulations to all of the inspiring women who won an award, and to everyone who was nominated – we’re proud to shine a light on your amazing achievements.”

The award for Outstanding Contribution to the North East was given to North Tyneside Mayor Dame Norma Redfearn DBE for her dedication to public service and tireless commitment to the North East.

Dame Norma said: “I don’t have the words to say. I’m so amazed. I want to say to the women here today, you’re all truly amazing. This is a region of amazing talent, I hear it every day.

“It’s important we give people the opportunity to showcase their talents. Just keep going, believe in yourself and make this North East region the best it can be.”

The coveted Business Leader of the Year award was presented to Alison Dunn, CEO of Society Matters Group, for her leadership in tackling inequality and driving meaningful change for disadvantaged communities.

Most Inspiring Female in the small business category was awarded to Dr Lucy Reynolds, who founded We Are All Disabled CIC, and small business Most Inspiring Employer went to IT solutions provider HTG.

Juliet Sanders, CEO of Feeding Families, picked up the Chamber’s new Community and CSR Inspiring Female of the Year Charity Award for transforming food aid in the North East and supporting over 46,000 households annually.

The Community and CSR Inspiring Female of the Year Business Award went to Tailored Leisure’s Tara Mackings for her role in inspiring inclusivity in the region.

Isobel Moore of Joslin Rhodes scooped Apprentice of the Year, while Vijayalakshmi Subramani picked up the One to Watch award for creating SENDelight Gifts, which provides affordable, high-quality sensory tools for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

An award was also presented to the Most Inspiring Employer large business and was given to Nexus for their role in supporting female talent and inspiring the next generation.

The Inspiring Female for the large business category was won by Hollie Smith from the Great North Air Ambulance Service for her role in championing women in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service and advancing pre-hospital emergency care. Womble Bond Dickinson’s Jenny Elgie was highly commended in the same category.

Female entrepreneurs who trade internationally were also recognised, with the Inspiring Female international business award going to Cleveland Cable Company’s Justine Cook.

Special recognition awards were also presented, including a posthumous award for Dr Alex Shirley, who held a variety of roles during her 20 years at charity Changing Lives. Nadine Hudspeth from Gateshead College was also presented with a special recognition award.

Alice Andreasen, chief sustainability and communications officer at Inspiring Females Awards associate sponsor Newcastle International Airport, said: “It is a privilege to be surrounded by so many extraordinary women here today. Together we are playing an instrumental role in shaping the North East’s workforce as well as paving the way for the benefit of current and future generations.

“At Newcastle Airport we pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive business, that’s why we are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Chamber Inspiring Females Awards.”

The awards ceremony included a performance by Gateshead College students, as well as a special inclusive performance from theatre school and charity True Colours. The school teaches dance and theatre skills to 500 children and young adults weekly, many of whom have disabilities and learning needs.

Now in its fourth year, our Inspiring Females Awards took place on 29 November and was hosted by North East advocate and former BBC senior journalist Charlie Charlton.

The drinks reception was sponsored by Hargreaves, and award categories were sponsored by Hartlepool College, Intuit, Handelsbanken, NRG, Hargreaves, Utilita Arena Newcastle, Prima Cheese and Palintest.

The Business Awards will take place in June 2025 at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.