On Friday, The Women of the Year Luncheon & Awards (WOTY) made history, welcoming more than 400 guests to its annual celebration and becoming the first non-matchday event to be hosted in the new City Hall development at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium.
Bringing together senior business leaders, influential women, sponsors, partners and supporters, WOTY 2026 celebrated female achievement, ambition, leadership and resilience. The event recognised women making a meaningful difference across business and wider society, while shining a spotlight on the next generation of female entrepreneurs and creative talent.
Established in 1982, WOTY is one of the UK’s longest-running celebrations of women’s achievements. This year’s event marked another milestone in its history, uniting a community committed to championing women, creating opportunities and inspiring future generations.
Celebrating extraordinary women whose achievements inspire others
At the heart of the event were the women whose achievements and contributions were recognised throughout the ceremony. Laura Keir, CEO of Protein Works, was named Business Woman of the Year, celebrating her leadership and entrepreneurial success. Sophie Ford-Wilkinson, Founding Trustee of The Holly House Charitable Foundation, received the Freeths Woman with Edge Award, recognising her individuality, courage and willingness to challenge convention.
Zerbanoo Gifford, writer and human rights campaigner, received the Emmeline Pankhurst Award for Woman of Achievement for her advocacy, commitment to equality and contribution to positive social change. The event also paid tribute to the late Baroness Helen Newlove, former Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, whose Lifetime Achievement Award recognised her tireless work for victims’ rights and community safety.
Putting the next generation of women in focus
WOTY’s commitment to female achievement also extends to emerging talent through its Women in Focus initiative, which helps women showcase their work, raise their profiles and connect with business leaders and decision-makers. The 2026 recipients were DJ and creative professional Jamie Anne Leech, and Rosie Eliza Thomas, videographer and founder of Uncut Rose.
By encouraging its community to discover, recommend and use the services of women in its network, WOTY aims to turn recognition into tangible opportunities for growth. The initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that celebrating women is important, but creating opportunities for them to succeed is just as vital.
Zalena Vandrewala, Chair of Women of the Year, said:
“We are immensely proud of what Women of the Year has achieved. This year was the biggest yet; over 440 nominations, down to 12 finalists, and over 400 people came together last Friday to celebrate the winners, and celebrate women – champion their achievements and recognise the difference they make, which is incredibly powerful! But what makes us most proud is the community we have built around WOTY – a community that genuinely cares, opens doors, shares opportunities and understands that we are stronger when we support one another.
“WOTY is not simply about celebrating success once a year; it is about the connections we create, the encouragement we give and the opportunities that are unlocked long after the event is over. We want emerging businesswomen to be seen, heard and supported, and that’s what our community does – realising achievement by actively using their services, recommending their businesses and helping them grow.”
Director Wendy Dean said:
“As we look towards our 45th anniversary in 2027, we feel an enormous sense of responsibility, as well as pride, to honour the legacy of those who came before us while ensuring WOTY remains relevant, ambitious and meaningful for the generations of women who will follow. Our history is something to celebrate, but our future is something we have the opportunity to shape together.”
A landmark event made possible by valued partners
WOTY extends its sincere thanks to headline sponsor Aldermore PLC, whose support for the fourth year running has played an important role in the awards’ success. The organisation also recognises key sponsors Freeths LLP and Strategi Solutions, alongside category sponsors Pertemps and Dakota Hotel Group.
Looking ahead to a momentous 45th anniversary
As WOTY looks ahead to its 45th anniversary in 2027, the organisation is preparing for its biggest and best event yet. Some familiar and famous faces from the WOTY past, some reflections from the women who have shaped WOTY history and a look forward to celebrating continuing impact.
The commitment of WOTY remains unchanged – to recognise exceptional women, strengthen its community, champion emerging talent and ensure female achievement continues to be valued and supported.
Find out more at www.womenoftheyear.org.uk.