Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks Inspiration in the air as Ladies First celebrate award winners and launch return of campaign

Some of the country’s most inspirational female achievers are to be celebrated once again with a national awards campaign.

A prestigious event at London’s House of Commons marked the launch of the seventh – and biggest – Ladies First Professional Development Awards. The awards, based in Balsall Common, will highlight success stories as well as raise funds for vital cancer equipment for local hospitals, at its awards ceremony in the summer.

A host of new categories are among the 20 being contested this year, including Women of Courage; Excellence In Independent Food Businesses; Excellence In Marketing & Media; Women in Property and Inclusive Leadership/Women on Boards.

Guests at the House of Commons launch, on February 12, heard from inspirational women including last year’s Business Woman of the Year Louise Adkins, and hotelier Sue Cressman, whose fundraising is being supported by the awards this year.

Two-time cancer survivor, Sue, from Dorridge, appreciates more than most the vital service her local hospitals provide and continues to give back. To date, the 65-year-old is estimated to have donated more than £500,000 worth of state-of-the-art cancer equipment to hospitals in and around the |West Midlands.

Sue, co-owner of Nailcote Hall Hotel in Berkswell, said: “As a founder member of Ladies First Professional Network and an ambassador, I have seen how this wonderful ladies’ group has developed over the last decade.

“I am pleased to announce we are raising funds for the forthcoming year to help our local NHS Breast Cancer Units. It is our aim to purchase a specialist Mammography and Biopsy Chair for Birmingham Hospital Trust.”

The launch event was sponsored by two of last year’s award winners, Paola Spiga of Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath (Start-up of the Year) and Bia Rodrigues Perry of Bia’s Kitchen Show, from Leamington (Outstanding Entrepreneur) along with David Perry Photography.

Paola said: “Winning ‘Start Up of the Year’ last year was a defining moment in my journey, and now, having the opportunity to give back and support other incredible people is truly an honour. Ladies First is all about empowerment, connection, and celebrating success, everything I stand for.”

Bia, whose show highlights the area’s foodie scene when it is streams twice-monthly to audiences across social media, said: “As a woman who has faced numerous challenges, I understand the profound impact of having a supportive network of inspiring women by my side. Together, we can create a future where every woman feels empowered to continue her journey with confidence and courage.”

Headline sponsors for the awards are Edwards Wealth, in Berkswell; Alsters Kelley Solicitors, which has branches in Coventry and Warwickshire; Midlands-based recruitment agency Pertemps Network; IXL Centre in Southam; Bia’s Kitchen Show in Leamington and Sandhu Foods.

Ladies First director Tracey McAtamney said: “I am hugely proud of the Ladies First community, which is about building relationships in business and friends for life. It felt extra special to be celebrating the achievements of so many at such an auspicious venue”.

The Awards dinner will be held at the IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club on June 5. The closing date for nominations is March 15. Visit https://ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk/ladies-first-awards/ for information.

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

Photos by David Perry Photography.