My first document

Thank you to our headline sponsor and main sponsors for their support

HEADLINE SPONSOR

HUDDERSFIELDTOWN

Programme Sponsor

We are delighted to be organising the inaugural YorkshireBusinessWoman awards to celebrate and honour the business women of Yorkshire on International Women’s Day who work and volunteer within our region.

Thank you to our headline sponsor Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, our main sponsors, category sponsors and partners without whom these awards wouldn’t be possible.

This year's winners have been chosen by a panel, our thanks go to our panelists:

Sinead Rocks

Managing Director Channel 4

Tracy Brabin

Mayor of West Yorkshire

Andrew Cooper

CEO of Leeds BID

Sarah Power

Partner at Chadwick Lawrence

Sir Rodney Walker

Chair of the London Marathon

Sharon Jandu OBE

Founder of Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA)

Dame Linda Pollard

DBE hon LLD Chair Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust Leeds

Gill Laidler - Yorkshire BusinessWoman Editor

Hosted by:

Danni Hewson Broadcaster & Financial Analyst

With over 20 years of experience broadcasting on radio and television, for three years Danni was the voice of business on BBC Five Live, she has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC News and BBC World Service, but she’s best known in Yorkshire for her tenure as Look North’s business correspondent.

In 2021 Danni joined A J Bell and is now working across television and radio as a commentator and writer,

Jane Clynes Events Organiser

Established in 2004 Jane Clynes Events is recognised as one of the leading Event Companies in the Yorkshire area. Our success and credibility with clients comes from providing quality results with a friendly and personal service. We constantly aim to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Jane’s previous job titles include, New Business Director and Project Manager. Both job roles involved elements of planning and organising, ranging from Campaign Management for Corporate Client Evenings, to Awards Dinners and bi-monthly Breakfast Club meetings. Often described as a ‘people person’ it is not hard to see how Jane made the crossover into private functions, having coordinated a wide range of

events including; Weddings, Barmitzvahs, as well as private parties varying from small family gatherings to large Centenary Events.

Jane provides a wealth of services, from venue sourcing, to table decorations, ideas for themes, entertainment, seating plans, not to mention a large and varied contact database as well as oceans of passion and professionalism. Charity Community and

delivering insight and analysis both in the UK and for media outlets around the world.

Yorkshire-born and bred, event host and after-dinner speaker Danni is mum to two teenage girls.

company charity events are a key part in today’s modern world. Jane Clynes Events specialises in developing creative and innovative ideas, whilst increasing the profile of organisations, having fun and raising money for worthwhile charitable causes. Jane has been successful in creating both community and company events turning one off events into annual occasions, some becoming multiple events in different cities.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman are supporting two charities, Martin House Children's Hospice and Focus4Hope. On the evening, we ask guests to get involved and purchase a bundle bag for £25, preferably using cash. The bundle bag will include a Manning Stainton door key with a chance if your key opens the door, to win a £300 voucher to dine at Ivy Asia. There will also be a ticket with a chance to win a pair of diamond earrings from Phillip Stoner Jewellers worth £1500. Also included are raffle tickets with some amazing prizes on offer.

Diamond sponsor

Phillip Stoner

Yorkshire BusinessWoman partners

Phillip Stoner Jewellers have donated a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings that one lucky guest will win.

A ticket can be found in the bundle bag that is available to purchase when you arrive - no bag, no win, so make sure you bring your £25 in cash to purchase one of only 200 bags!

Generously donated:

Overnight stay at the Marriott Hotel Leeds

Dinner for 2 at Gino D'Acampo's Restaurant

A super car experience at Motorhouse of Shipley

Dinner for two and personal Head Chef demo at MA-HÉ Coastal Indian

An overnight stay at Dakota Hotel Leeds

Consultation with LIVVE , womens hormone health and wellbeing worth £175

High Tea for two at Goldsbrough Hall

A personal style consultation with expert stylist Anna Mews

Spa experience at Rudding Park

Lexus Leeds are offering a car for the weekend and an afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols

Private suite for What’s Love Got to Do with It on 14 May 2024

Manning Stainton are supporting the Yorkshire BusinessWomanAwards with their ‘Open the Door’ competition.

When you purchase a bundle bag, inside you will find a key. If that key fits the red door during the evening you will be the lucky winner of a £300 to spend at Ivy Asia. All funds raised will be donated equally between Martin House Hospice and Focus4Hope.

Manning Stainton are the market-leading estate agent in Leeds, respecting the trust placed in them over the years by their clients. Their commitment extends beyond selling property and they are dedicated to actively

supporting the communities they serve, generation after generation.

https://manningstainton.co.uk/

Nestled within a tranquil courtyard, the Leeds Marriott Hotel is strategically situated in the dynamic city of Leeds. Only a brief stroll away from Leeds train station, our prime location provides easy access to thecity’s landmarks and attractions.

The accommodation boasts 247 guest bedrooms and suites,each with a contemporary charm following recent furbishments. The hotel features an exclusive Executive Lounge, a cutting edge Fitness Centre equipped with Peleton Bikes, and a newly revamped Meetings and Events department offering 17 flexible spaces

capable of hosting up to 300 guests.

Guests can also now savour an authentic Italian culinary experience at our brand new Gino D’Acampo Restaurant.

As the proud Event Partner for the inaugural Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards, they extend their heartfelt

congratulations to all the remarkable women shortlisted for an award.

Your achievements are truly commendable and they are honored to be part of this celebration.

Best of luck to each nominee!

LiveBand Entertainment

Create a memory you and your guests will never forget.

They know how important it is to celebrate in style and party like never before.

Melody, the founder of Live Band Entertainment has

been a professional singer songwriter for over 10 years and has performed in many prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert hall, the NEC Birmingham, Doncaster Racecourse, The Dome.

She knows all too well what your guests are expecting

Production Light & Sound

At Production Light & Sound, they are on a mission to transform events and breathe life into every occasion with their toptier technical and creative event services.

Based in the vibrant city of Leeds, they began their journey in 2001 and proudly stand today as a

Not just experts in stellar pr, brand and talent representation. They know how to tell your story through media.

Thanks to LRPRs strategic communications, mentoring and creativity, they have the perfect combination of passion and performance to generate unforgettable storytelling, campaigns and collaborations.

Whether you're an established brand, new start-

up or individual talent looking to maximise your profile, LRPR have the tools, contacts and services to help you grow your social community, revenue and reputation.

LRPR is the award winning agency built on recommendations that

and Live Band Entertainment promises to give you even more.

female-led company committed to excellence and diversity. Their extensive hire equipment stock includes lighting, sound, special effects, staging, drapes, dance floors, drinks bars and conference sets from leading industry suppliers, including Robe, Chamsys, Yamaha, Sennheiser, Milos and many more.

will take clients to even greater heights and get you the recognition deserved through social media and public relations.

Laura Robinson PR

Mrs P Events Limited

Mrs P Events Limited, nestled in West Yorkshire, but yet travels all over the Uk, epitomises bespoke celebrations. Headed by Mrs P, a devoted wife and mother of three beautiful girls, the company transforms

ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences.

With an exceptional eye for detail and a huge passion for creating unforgettable moments, Mrs P adds a special touch of magic to every event.

Masons Gin

Masons of Yorkshire was created on World Gin Day in 2013 by Cathy and Karl Mason with a desire to create a different gin, not just a different label.

As a fully independent family-run business, the pursuit of excellence is what drives Cathy and Karl:

Her unique perspective, informed by the joys of family life, ensures each celebration resonates with warmth and care. From milestone birthdays to corporate soirées & not forgetting the show-stopping weddings, Mrs P Events Limited, is a family-driven enterprise, & crafts flawless events that echo the values of love, connection, and genuine celebration.

NVRLND

NVRLND are a UK Events Management company that specialised in unique entertainment and campaign activations.

Combining a wealth of knowledge and experience allows them to connect with their clients and gain a complete understanding for their vision, whilst offering our expertise and guidance to deliver a memorable experience.

they call it ‘the Masons Way’. The Masons Way is the unwavering belief that when it came to creating Yorkshire’s first gin, doing things the right way without

compromise would lead to the very best outcome. This has led to Masons being one of the most awarded gins with over 180 international awards and counting since.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman chosen charities: Martin House

Martin House Chidren's Hospice has been providing familyled care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions for 37 years (life-limiting means the child or young person is not expected to live beyond young adulthood).

Every year they support over 440 children and young people, and their families plus more than 150 bereaved families across West, North and East Yorkshire, at our hospice, in hospitals and in families’ own homes.

The hospice, based in Boston Spa, has nine bedrooms in Martin House, and six in Whitby Lodge, which cares for teenagers and young people.

Their services include respite stays, symptom control, emergency care, community care and end of life care.

Bereavement support is offered to families, often for two to three years after their child’s death. They also offer bereavement support to families whose child had a life-limiting condition but did not have the opportunity to use the hospice or following a sudden death.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman chosen charities: Focus 4Hope

Focus4Hope is a registered charity, that seeks to provide support for the homeless, elderly, isolated, and vulnerable.

They were founded in 2016 as a community-based group of friends, who wanted to develop ways of collectively making a difference in the region. From these humble beginnings, the organisation has gone on to become a pillar in the local charitable community. They have had the great pleasure of helping thousands of vulnerable people

in the area, as well as refugees in France. Here in the local region, they predominantly work with the elderly, the homeless, those who are fleeing domestic violence, and isolated/lonely individuals in need of support. They also operate a food bank in Brighouse, which delivers dozens of food parcels to people in our community each week.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman award finalists:

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Equity & Diversity Award

Sponsored by Money Matters by A J Bell

Finalists:

• Zoe Hayden Jones - Director - Jobs for Women

• Alia Nessa - Operations Manager - Getaway Girls

• Yasmin De Nardo - Head of Connected Technology Academy - KPMG

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Networker of the Year Award

Sponsored by Dakota Hotels

Finalists:

• Sam Hartley - Founder - SAM Networking

• Zoe Hands - Sales Leader - Marriott Hotel Leeds

• Natalie Sarabia-Johnston - Director & Founder - Southgate & Sarabia Architects

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Digital Award

Sponsored by Perfect Branded Gifts

Finalists:

• Annie Moss-Quate and Rose Mountague - Co-founders - She Does Digital

• Georgia Halston - Group CEO - Halston Marketing

• Zoe Thompson - Founder - Build it Brillant

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Rising star of the Year Award

Sponsored by Lloyds Bank

Finalists:

• Lisa Shepherd & Saskia Roskam - Co-founders and Directors

The Biskery

• Colette Safhill - MD - Myth Drinks Ltd

• Alexa Wilkinson - Founder - Social by Alexa

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Mentor Award

Sponsored by Grantley Hall

Finalists:

• Julie Bickerdyke - Managing Director - MoonStone FD

• Deborah Ogden - Founder - Deborah Ogden Limited

• Naimah Kazi - Specialist Orthoptist - Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

Yorkshire BusinessWoman New Business Award

Sponsored by AD:VENTURE

Finalists:

• Madeleine France - Founder - Blossom Training & Development

• Sharon Flora - Founder - The Eye Retreat

• Jamila Juma-Ware - Co-founder - Drapers England Ltd

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Inspirational Volunteer Award

Sponsored by Proper Financial Planning

Finalists:

• Louise Reed - Founder & CEO - Focus 4 Hope

• Tracy Foster - Founder -The Family Burns Club

• Samantha Toolsie - Photographer & Social Entrepreneur - Simon on the Streets Volunteer

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Social Media Award

Sponsored by Femme Magazine

Finalists:

• Erin Rush - Content Creator - Yorkshire Tots to Teens

• Rebecca Hopwood - Marketing Director - Youbee Media

• Freda Shafi - Creative Industries Consultant

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Mandy Taylor mBE Award

Sponsored by Youbee Media

Finalists:

• Emma Gibson - Co-founder - Missing Peace

• Lisa Darwin - Founder - FB FASHION BALL

• Sharon Brigden - MD - SLBPR Ltd

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by Gino d'Acampo

Finalists:

• Sarah Loftus - Managing Director - Make it York

• Melinda Schofield - Regional Director - Bauer Media

• Diane Watson - Principal Partner - St James`s Place Wealth Management

Yorkshire BusinessWoman of the Year Award

Sponsored by Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

Finalists:

• Rachel Varley - Co Founder - Thrive in Mind

• Hannah Strawbridge - CEO & Founder - Han Law Co

• Fiona Rockett-Taylor - Portfolio FD - Rockett -Taylor Consulting

• Poonam Kaur - CEO - fds Director Services Limited

• Kate Ball - Founder & Managing Director - Mini First Aid

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Equity & Diversity Award

Sponsored

by Money Matters by A J Bell

This award will go to an individual who is passionate about Equity and Diversity. The winner is someone who has developed an inclusive culture while embracing the benefits in their workforce. Ensuring people feel empowered, recognised and respected for their individuality, whether it be age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education and natural origin.

Finalists:

• Zoe Hayden Jones

Zoe is the director at Jobs for Women. She connects untapped, talented women in underrepresented industries with equitable companies committed to consistently improving diversity, equity, and inclusion. Zoe

• Alia Nessa

Alia has been a recognised and trusted voice for South Asian communities in Leeds for over 25 years. She works hard raising aspirations for culturally diverse young women and has always given her time voluntarily to support charitable work in Yorkshire. She became a voice for Asian families

• Yasmin De Nardo

Yasmin is Head of Connected Technology Academy at KPMG UK and has over 15 years of experience in HR, early talent, and recruitment. As an advocate for women in tech and making digital careers accessible

is committed to eliminating the numerous obstacles that women face in the workplace. JFW provides a jobs board, podcast, and women’s membership platform which focuses on workplace equality.

by taking up a voluntary position on the Carers Leeds Partnership Board for 12 years. Alia has been a trustee for the charity ASHA Neighbourhood Project for many years, raising the profile of the health and well-being needs of Bangladeshi women living in disadvantaged areas.

to all, she consistently commits her time and energy to various causes to ensure those in the community are empowered, supported, and encouraged to take that leap into tech.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Networker of the Year Award

Sponsored by Dakota Hotels

This award is for a serious Yorkshire networker who constantly connects people to the right businesses and refers people in businesses for mutual benefits. The winner is either a networking group founder, runs a networking group(s) or is consistently networking in a myriad of settings. They support fellow business networkers through their vast network of connections.

Finalists:

• Sam Hartley

Sam is a Highly experienced multichannel marketing professional with many years’ of advertising and marketing experience. Sam successfully manages five networking groups and an annual business expo. These gatherings boast

• Zoe Hands

Zoe is the Sales Leader at The Leeds Marriott Hotel and is celebrating her 25 year anniversary in June! She is a natural networker and has set up her own “City Networking” Group in Leeds which has been extremely popular.

• Natalie Sarabia-Johnston

Natalie is a talented joint owner of Leeds & Manchester based Southgate & Sarabia Architects. She has many skills Architecture, landscape Architecture, interior and urban design,

impressive attendance, thanks to her connections with local Chambers of Commerce and business funding sources. This well-organized network creates opportunities and connections for business development.

Zoe has been described as a shining star in the networking community. Zoe was awarded Business Council Manager of the Year 2023 within Marriott UK, Nordics and Ireland.

masterplanning, heritage,conservation, and research. Her ability to connect like minded people and open doors, which result in fantastic opportunities is simply outstanding.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Digital Award

Sponsored by Perfect Branded Gifts

In an ever-growing digital era, technology is more important than ever in our daily lives. The winner of this award is at the forefront of technological advancements. They embrace innovation, constantly seek new technology and empower women and girls in our region.

Finalists:

• Annie Moss-Quate and Rose Mountague

She Does Digital a Leeds-based nonfor-profit company to encourage more women into digital and tech,

• Georgia Halston

Georgia Halston is Group CEO of a digital marketing agency comprising of 15 amazing young women and also runs No Code Lab, a not for profit initiative based on the no code movement. The no code movement allows for a decentralisation of power when it comes to technology and breaks down the barriers to entry

• Zoe Thompson Zoe Thompson truly embraces tech and is always looking for innovative ways to save time, money or simplify a process. Zoe supports those that work in the helping professions. Zoe has created a blueprint for business

with a mission to close the gender gap in digital, by encouraging more women to choose this career path.

for technology and puts tech in the hands of those who can really make a difference.

In addition Georgia also runs an online technology publication called Tech Origin and building a martech app from scratch!

targeted at the helping professions which gives them a better chance of survival. She introduces tech as a solution to simplify and improve their processes – but only at a time where the business owner is ready.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Rising star of the Year Award

Sponsored by Lloyds Bank

The Rising Star of the Year is an individual who has demonstrated excellence in business and has achieved levels beyond expectation over the past 12 months. This award category recognises emerging female leaders whose work reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to the profession as well as increased levels of leadership and responsibility

Finalists:

• Lisa Shepherd & Saskia Roskam

For growing to a team of seven working mums and bootstrapping to a six figure business from a kitchen table business that started with a £1,000 investment from the two founders' own pockets. The founders have shown impressive entrepreneurial skills, despite their lack of business

• Colette Safhill

Colette is the MD of Goat drinks and Myth drinks Ltd. Award winning non alcoholic cane spirits and functional energy drinks. She has brought a product from start up to international renown in less than a year.

• Alexa Wilkinson

Alexa is the founder and leader of Yorkshire based Social by Alexa. She is a Tiktok and Instagram specialist providing enticing services and delivering incredible results for her clients. She started off as a TikTok influencer working for other brands.

knowledge and experience. They have doubled their revenue YOY over the past three years and run a true family-friendly and purposeled business, spreading kindness in biscuit form and giving back to the community and the planet where they can.

Colette has also secured grant funding and been accepted on the NatWest accelerator and the Barclays funding accelerator. Her drinks have won the IWSC free from food awards, The world alcohol free awards and the great taste awards.

As her skills developed she set up her own business and now provides 2 core services; social media strategy and planning, content creation and management. She has written an ebook and has a highly collaborative Facebook group for business owners.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Mentor Award

Sponsored by Grantley Hall

The winner is a Yorkshire Businesswoman who demonstrates their expertise by supporting and advising less experienced people within their workplace. A leader who helps others to thrive and loves to watch them grow. The Mentor Award is given to a person who is approachable, offers great training and advice and acts not only as a professional role model, but often as a personal one too.

Finalists:

• Julie Bickerdyke Julie's dedication, guidance,and commitment to nurturing talent have had a profound impact on those who have benefited from her mentorship. She sees mentoring as a route to independence, and she particularly enjoys working with female business owners.

• Deborah Ogden

Deborah is the director at Personal Brand and Impact. She is a speaker and a podcast host. She helps uncover and shape the unique qualities that individuals possess so that they can

• Naimah Kazi

Naimah is an inspirational young woman who is very deserving as a nominee.

From a Bangladeshi background living in South Leeds, Naimah was able to complete her studies at secondary level

Julie is an experienced finance director and accountant; she worked in engineering for many years before setting up her own business in 2017 to specialise in providing strategic financial guidance to small business owners.

propel their personal brand wherever they want it to go. She sets out each day to try and make an impact on at least one person ... be that a client or through her podcast or social media.

and move on to higher education; not an opportunity available to all young women belonging to a South Asian background due to culture, tradition and social norms where women can often be confined to traditional homemaker domestic roles.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman New Business Award

Sponsored by AD:VENTURE

The winner of this award has started a business within the last 3 years, and has gone from strength to strength. Whether it’s through team growth and creating recruitment opportunities, or a fierce, resilient growth period. The winner of this category is a Yorkshire Business that has been trading for less than three years, and has stood out from the crowd.

Finalists:

• Madeleine France

Blossom Training and Development guides individuals on a confidencebuilding journey, acknowledging life's imperfections. For those trapped in cycles of abuse, their instructors, who've walked similar paths, offer

• Sharon Flora

The Eye Retreat is a newholistic medispa specialising in providing comprehensive dry eye treatments and advanced medical aesthetic rituals in Leeds. The team is dedicated to helping their patients to achieve optimal

• Jamila Juma-Ware

Jamila is the co founder of Drapers England Luxury Spirit Collectionan independent speakeasy and spirit brand. Whilst still a young, Yorkshire based company it is already retailing

solace and understanding. By providing self defence training they aspire to cultivate safer communities by empowering one person at a time, reducing violence through confidence and resilience.

eye health and balanced well being. They are the only Medispa in the UK to have the InMode Lumecca I and Forma I Technology to treat facial aesthetics and dry eye disease.

nationwide. Jamila is the only black female gin and rum producer in Yorkshire. Jamila is described as one of the most creative visionary and exciting marketeers in the business.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Inspirational Volunteer Award

Sponsored by Proper Financial Planning

This person will have positively impacted the individuals and communities in Yorkshire. They have shown unwavering commitment and steadfast loyalty to their local community and transforming the area they’re in. They have a clear devotion or dedication to helping others.

Finalists:

• Louise Reed

Louise is the inspirational founder and CEO at Focus 4 Hope. A non profit providing support for the homeless elderley and isolated in West

• Tracy Foster BEM

Tracy is the founder and director of the Family Burns Club. This is a charity that provide a service to assist families in the recovery from burn injury. Tracy supports the physical social and psychological needs of

• Samantha Toolsie

Based in Leeds, Sam, a dedicated professional photographer, generously volunteers her time to various charities, notably supporting Simon on the Streets

Yorkshire. She works tirelessley with the charity in the community making a real difference to local vulnerable people.

young burn survivors and families through a variety of events. Tracy is involved at every level from providing one to support, fundraising, running the charity, events, family activities and camps.

for several years.Sam is passionate about empowering women. She undertakes lots of activity on a voluntary basis for different social enterprises.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Social Media Award

Sponsored by Femme Magazine

The Social Media Award will go to a stand-out leader who deserves to be recognised for their online presence across multiple social media channels. The winner could be a business, influencer or freelancer that works hard across their digital channels to engage with their community.

Finalists:

• Erin Rush

Erin is a content creator and marketing specialist on her hugely popular Facebook page -Yorkshire Tots to Teens (50K followers) and also - Yorkshire Family Groups and Activities (14K) members. She posts 2 / 3 times a

• Rebecca Hopwood

Rebecca is the founder of multi awardwinning marketing agency Youbee Media, and Non-Exec Director at Blossom T&D. Rebecca achieved a place on Insider Media’s prestigious ’42

• Freda Shafi

Freda has had a successful career in the creative sector, from being a lecturer, creative producer and, for over twenty-five years she has worked with underrepresented communities, helping to engage and raise their voices in mainstream cultural venues.

Freda also works in the culinary world as a passionate home cook and food stylist, building a successful social media presence through her Instagram account 'Spice it up' .

day about days out and attractions in Yorkshire providing invaluable advice to parents looking for ideas and inspiration about where to go.Her page is the 'go to' place to families in Yorkshire looking for days out advice!

Under 42’ list and continues to make her mark while helping others shine, personally and professionally. With Rebecca in your corner, all things are possible!

She has just released her first novel and cook book entitled Suitorland. In addition to being a published author, Freda is a writer and food columnist for Yorkshire Business Woman and several other publications.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Mandy Taylor MBE Award

Sponsored by Youbee Media:

“Charity Angel” Mandy Taylor MBE was passionate in her charity work and fundraising for the local community. She believed in giving time and helping out where she could. In her lifetime, Mandy raised over £1m for various charities close to her heart. Mandy was instrumental in the creation of Yorkshire BusinessWoman magazine and network, and was passionate about creating a group of collaborating and successful females.The winner of this award is a person who has made an impact on the Yorkshire business community with their tireless work and contribution and shares some of Mandy’s incredible values.

Finalists:

• Emma Gibson

Emma is the co-founder of Missing Peace, an organization providing diverse services for client well-being, such as one-on-one peer support, online groups for young people with

• Lisa Darwin

Lisa is a life, Image and fashion coach and founded The FB Fashion Ball in 1997 - inviting businesses and retailers to be involved with the catwalk as well as creating space for local up and coming

• Sharon Brigden

Sharon is the Owner-director of boutique lifestyle PR agency specialising in lifestyle sectorshair, beauty, fashion, retail, bars and restaurants. She offers expertise

ADHD, autism, sensory needs, and anxiety, social groups, and Mental Health First Aid/Suicide First Aid/ Self-Harm First Aid support, as well as motivational speaking.

designers case their talents. Lisa encourages people to celebrate their own unique personalities and character, giving freedom to dress as they wish and look and feel amazing.

in a range of brand communications services-marketing; social media management; event and exhibitions, and hosts some truly memorable events.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by Gino D'Acampo

This category celebrates a unique individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their sector and their community. The winner is someone who influences and enriches the business they are a part of and the people around them. They are known to continually go above and beyond, pushing boundaries and influencing the next generation. This Yorkshire business woman has had a distinguished career spanning over a decade. Their career has not only been long, but full of notable achievements.

Finalists:

• Sarah Loftus

Sarah is the Managing Director at Make it York and Visit York. She has devoted over 30 years of her life and career to public service and business in and around Yorkshire and the North.

Sarah has run various world class events and been involved in several high profile projects bringing improvements to her local community.

• Melinda Schofield

Melinda is the Regional Sales Director for Bauer Media Group in Yorkshire representing stations such as Hallam FM, Pulse 1 , Greatest Hits Radio and Magic FM. Melinda has dedicated her life to the

• Diane Watson

Diane has a career spanning over 30 years as a financial advisor. Diane is the founder of “We Can Prosper” - A business that is on a mission to support women with the tools to empower them for all aspects of their financial wellbeing.Diane’s

media industry leading a multimillion pound media network with a strong drive for success. Melinda is described as a powerhouse of energy, drive and motivation.

commitment to the community, her industry and her fellow businesswomen is to be admired. Diane has raised funds for Maggie’s Cancer Centre Leeds, Their Future Today and the Yorkshire Children’s Charity.

Yorkshire BusinessWoman of the Year Award

Sponsored by Chadwick Lawrence

The Yorkshire BusinessWoman of the Year Award recognises an individual who has made significant contributions to the region, demonstrated exceptional drive and success and has played a pivotal role in their organisation. As a Founder, Leader or Change maker, the Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year is highly regarded as someone who brings positivity and passion to their role. They are ambitious, go above and beyond for others, challenge the status quo and ensure targets are met. Mandy passed away in December 2021.

Finalists:

• Rachel Varley

In 2021, Rachel co-founded Thrive in Mind, a groundbreaking digital well-being programme aimed at enhancing employees' mental health. The company also provides mental health consultation services and offers support groups for business leaders, all grounded

• Hannah Strawbridge

Han Law’s success story under Hannah's guidance is awe-inspiring. From a fledgling startup to a 400% growth powerhouse, her

• Fiona Rockett Taylor

Portfolio FD work is a value driver for SME businesses, who often have accountants to complete the compulsory reporting (ie Company Accounts and Tax Returns) but often they don’t prioritize looking forward to build and grow a sustainable plan

• Poonam Kaur

fds is an employee-owned corporate finance boutique that provides services to owner-managed businesses, supporting them on their business journey from the early stages through to a successful exit. CEO Poonam

• Kate Ball

Kate set up Mini First Aid in 2014 to provide essential first aid training for parents and carers. Her company has trained thousands of parents across the UK, giving them peace of mind, helping to keep their children safe and, most importantly, saving lives with 70 franchises across the UK and are training over 80,000

in evidence-based psychological strategies. Rachel's leadership has infused the company with a clear vision and purpose, and her skills in project development, governance, and strategy implementation have been instrumental.

leadership's made waves, earning industry recognition and prestigious award nominations.

for the future. This is the sweet spot for Fiona and where she is really making a difference for Yorkshire businesses to grow confidence in their numbers, understand their cashflow and increase their profitability.

Kaur herself is a woman of colour, from an ethnic background, and identifies as a Sikh. She has a great understanding and lived experience of how to navigate gender identity in a male-dominated industry.

people every week in life saving first aid.

Since appearing on Dragons' Den in 2021, Kate's company has launched a range of Mini First Aid products, which are listed in national retailers including Boots, Asda and John Lewis.

Our Thanks Go To All Our Sponsors

Our thanks go to all our Main Sponsors. We appreciate your commitment and support together with all our Award Sponsors, Ambassadors and Friends in joining us tonight together with our additional support, who are all included in the programme and without whom tonight would not have been possible:

Launch Event sponsor

Launch Event Canapés

Diamond Sponsor

Red Door Sponsor

Venue Partner

Drinks Sponsor

Social Media Partner

Event Partner

Programme Sponsor

Ticket Sponsor

Entertainment Partner

Entertainment Partner

Photography Partner

Production & Lighting Partner

Decoration & Styling Partner

Equity & Diversity Partner

PR Partner

The Biskery

MODA

By Molly

Phillip Stoner Jewellers

Manning Stainton

The Leeds Marriot

Masons Gin

Youbee Media

Jane Clynes Events

The Grand Hotel

Bespoke by Dr Bejima

NVRLND

Live Band Entertainment

Roth Read Photography

Production Light and Sound

Mrs P Events

Yorkshire Asian Business Association

Laura Robinson (LRPR)

For their fabulous biscuits