Awards celebrate region’s businesswomen

The North East business community has celebrated the achievements of women driving progress, innovation and leadership across the region.

The 2025 Inspiring Women in Business Awards brought more than 400 guests to Newcastle Civic Centre for an afternoon recognising women shaping sectors from engineering and entrepreneurship to policing, education and international trade. 

Hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce and supported by headline sponsor Newcastle International Airport, the event marked the first year under the awards’ refreshed name following their evolution from the Inspiring Females Awards.

Deborah Walton, Chamber president, said: “This event is always one of the highlights of the Chamber calendar. 

“It’s a celebration of talent, ambition and leadership – and it’s about recognising the women helping to shape the future of our region’s economy. 

“Inspiring Women in Business reflects modern leadership, equality and ambition. 

“It shows our commitment to ensuring that every woman at every stage of her career is represented and supported within our business community.”

Musical performances from Newcastle College students added to the celebrations, which were hosted by broadcaster and regional advocate Charlie Charlton. 

The event was supported by a range of sponsors, including Hargreaves Services Plc, Dame Allan’s Schools, Handelsbanken, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Intuit, PD Ports, Sage and Sweeney Miller Law.

Finalists were selected from a record number of entries, with winners announced across 12 categories including New Business, Inspiring Woman in Business, Community & CSR, Most Inspiring Employer and Apprentice of the Year. 

Winners and highly commended included: 

Inspiring Woman in Business – Small Business: Victoria Taylor (Probe Industries Ltd) 

Highly commended: Tamma Carel (Imvelo Ltd)

Inspiring Woman in Business – Over 50 Employees: Gill Hunter (Square One Law) 

Highly commended: Sam Rennison (Northumbria Police)

Inspiring Woman in Business – International: Dr Samantha Lunn (Palintest Ltd) 

Highly commended: Tamsin Warren (Port of Tyne)

Inspiring Woman in Business – New Business: Cheryl Spears (Spear-heads)

Most Inspiring Employer – Small Business: E3 Design Ltd

Most Inspiring Employer – Over 50 Employees: Hay & Kilner

Inspiring Woman in Business – Business Leader of the Year: Liz Bromley (NCG) 

Community & CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Business: Jane Heath (Grand Hotel Gosforth Park) 

Highly commended: Sophie Vassallo (TT2 Tyne Tunnels) 

Community & CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year – Charity: Steph Capewell (Love, Amelia) 

Highly commended: Alisar Taylor (True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation) and Gemma Lockyer Turnbull (NE Youth Ltd)

Apprentice of the Year: Emma Allison (Quora Group)

One to Watch: Aoife Forbes (Forbes Finishings) 

Highly commended: Lawizah Din (Northumbrian Water Group) 

Ashley Carney, events and awards manager at the Chamber, added: “Every year we’re reminded of the depth of talent across the North East, and 2025 has been no exception. 

“Our finalists have achieved outstanding things in their respective fields and continue to raise the bar for what good leadership and role models look like across our region. 

“Each of them is a winner in their own right.” 

The afternoon’s highest honour, Outstanding Contribution to the North East, recognised Professor Ruth Plummer MBE for her leadership in oncology and clinical research. 

Her work has contributed significantly to advancing cancer trials, improving outcomes and shaping the forthcoming £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute.

Professor Plummer added: “It’s a privilege to contribute to work that brings real hope to patients and their families. 

“The North East has a long history of innovation and collaboration in healthcare, and the Sir Bobby Robson Institute will build on that strength to deliver even greater progress for our region.”

Kay Carrick, chair of the Chamber's Women's Leadership Forum, Professor Ruth Plummer MBE and Charlie Charlton

Lynn Perry, chief people officer at Newcastle International Airport, the event’s headline sponsor, added: “We are delighted to sponsor this important event for the second year running. 

“These awards celebrate the women shaping our region’s economic future. 

“The Airport’s Ambassador Programme is a clear example of what happens when employers invest in visibility, mentoring and real-world experience. 

“By giving Newcastle College students direct access to professionals and industry insight, we’re helping them see where their talents can take them. 

“Recognition like this inspires confidence, breaks down barriers and shows that the North East is a place where women can lead and succeed.” 

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