What a day to remember! The 44th annual Women of the Year Luncheon & Awards returned to Manchester’s Etihad Stadium on Friday 9th October 2026, bringing together inspirational women, business leaders and supporters for an unforgettable celebration of female achievement.
This year’s awards recognised women whose courage, ambition and determination are making a real difference.
Laura Keir, CEO of Protein Works, was crowned Business Woman of the Year 2026, recognised for her outstanding leadership, innovation and business impact.
Sophie Ford-Wilkinson received the Woman with Edge Award 2026, celebrating her commitment to safeguarding children and creating a positive impact on young lives.
The prestigious Emmeline Pankhurst Award for Woman of Achievement was presented to Zerbanoo Gifford, honouring her remarkable contribution to human rights, equality and social justice.
We also paid tribute to the late Baroness Helen Newlove, honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 in recognition of her tireless work championing victims’ rights and community safety. Her courage and compassion leave a lasting legacy.
A huge thank you to our finalists, guests, sponsors and everyone who helped make WOTY 2026 such a memorable occasion.
Here’s to the women who lead, inspire, challenge and make a difference. Here’s to Women of the Year 2026!
Laura Keir, CEO of Protein Works, a multi-award-winning functional lifestyle nutrition brand born in 2012, was awarded Business Woman of the Year.
Recognised for her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Laura has helped transform Protein Works into one of the UK’s fastest-growing lifestyle nutrition brands, culminating in its sale to global dairy giant Lactalis in June 2026.
Beyond her business achievements, Laura is passionate about developing talent and inspiring future leaders, making her a truly deserving winner.
Congratulations, Laura – our Business Woman of the Year 2026!
Sophie Ford-Wilkinson has been named the winner of the Freeths Woman with Edge Award 2026.
After ten years as a primary school teacher, Sophie moved into safeguarding technology, helping grow CPOMS from 1,700 schools to more than 20,000 organisations, supporting the protection of over 8.4 million children worldwide.
Her commitment continues through The Holly House Charitable Foundation, where she helps support charities working with children and young people.
Celebrating purpose, passion and a determination to make a difference, Sophie is a truly deserving winner.
Congratulations, Sophie!
Zerbanoo Gifford has been honoured with the Emmeline Pankhurst Award for Woman of Achievement 2026.
A trailblazing human rights campaigner, author and founder of The ASHA Centre, Zerbanoo has spent more than 50 years fighting for equality, championing women’s and children’s rights and campaigning against modern slavery.
A pioneer in British public life, she made history in 1982 as the first Asian woman elected as a Liberal councillor. Through her humanitarian work and commitment to empowering young people, she continues to inspire positive change around the world.
Congratulations to Zerbanoo on this richly deserved recognition of a lifetime dedicated to making a difference.
Baroness Helen Newlove has been honoured posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026.
After the murder of her husband, Garry, in 2007, Helen dedicated her life to campaigning for victims’ rights, tackling anti-social behaviour and improving community safety. Her tireless work led to her appointment as Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales and a seat in the House of Lords, where she served as Deputy Speaker.
Helen was also a cherished member and Patron of Women of the Year, having received the Woman of Achievement Award in 2015. She continued to champion the organisation and its mission to celebrate and empower women.
This award celebrates a remarkable woman whose courage, kindness and determination changed lives. Helen’s legacy will continue to inspire us all.
More about WOTY 2026
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