The prestigious 43rd Women of the Year Awards and Luncheon took place in Manchester on Friday 10th October at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
A day dedicated to celebrating inspirational women, over 400 people gathered to listen to the stories of and celebrate the three extraordinary and worthy winners.
Over 300 nominations and 14 applicants were shortlisted into three categories; ‘Business Woman of the Year’, ‘Freeths Woman with Edge’, and the prestigious ‘Emmeline Pankhurst Award: Woman of Achievement’ sponsored by Male Allies UK.
Rachel Corp, Chief Executive Officer of ITN was the deserving recipient of the Business Woman of the Year award, overseeing one of the largest independent production companies in the UK, currently creating 50+ hours of TV a week plus 7bn+ views of digital content annually. Judges commended her journey in the broadcasting industry and her dedication not only to ITN but her involvement with Women in Journalism, Women for Women International, and the RSA BAFTA. Special commendation was given to Sue Wright from Harrogate Group.
Whilst Neev Spencer, an award-winning Broadcaster and presenter of Magic Radio’s weekday afternoon show took home the ‘Freeths Woman with Edge’ award. Neev not only impressed the judges with her accomplishments in the TV & Radio industry, but her passion for supporting women to strive for success and being an ambassador for The British Asian Trust and other charities close to her heart. Special commendation was given to Leisa Nichols- Drew from De Montfort University.
The Women of the Post Office were honoured with the Emmeline Pankhurst ‘Woman of Achievement’ award, recognising their courage and fight against one of the worst injustices in British history with the Horizon Scandal. Not a dry eye in the house as the “Hear My Voice” Choir made up of people affected by the scandal sang on stage during the luncheon.
Writer, and actress Sally Lindsay, who is the President of the awards, gave a speech to welcome guests and celebrated the event being in Manchester, the ‘creative capital of the UK’.
Headline Sponsor, Aldermore Bank and Key Sponsors, LSH Auto, Freeths, Strategi Solutions Group, Pertemps and Category Sponsor Male Allies UK, were all present to celebrate with the winners.
Zalena Vandrewala, Chair of the Women of the Year Awards, said: “Celebrating this year’s Women of the Year winners is a moment of immense pride for us all. Each recipient embodies extraordinary courage, leadership and talent, and it’s been a joy to witness the remarkable achievements here today.
We remain committed to shining a spotlight on women whose stories inspire, transform and propel positive change across our country. To the well-deserved winners, nominees, supporters and guests, thank you for being part of this movement; you are the heart of Women of the Year Awards”.
On her win of ‘Business Woman of the Year’, Rachel commented: “I am deeply honoured to be recognised as Business Woman of the Year, in the company of a truly inspiring group of finalists having impact across their communities.
It is particularly special in the year that ITN turns 70 and as we transition from our television news heritage into a multi-media content powerhouse for the years ahead. Thank you to WOTY for all you do to support women at all stages of their careers and I look forward to working with you in the months ahead”.
Lisa Hannah, Chief People and Communications Officer at Aldermore said: “At Aldermore we’re proud to be headline sponsors of the Women of the Year Awards. We celebrate women whose leadership, innovation and community impact drive positive change – spotlighting extraordinary achievements, supporting career pathways and amplifying role models who inspire the next generation.
This sits at the heart of our purpose: accelerating opportunity and helping create a more inclusive, thriving future. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners”.
The Women of the Year Awards aims to recognise and celebrate women’s achievements across all sectors in the UK.
Past winners of the awards also include Baroness Karren Brady, the late Dame Julie Kenny CBE, Jenny Campbell, Baroness Karren Brady, Katie Piper, Women of the NHS and Women of the RAF.