Awards hail 'exceptional' North East women

An awards programme has launched to champion North East women.

The North East Women of Excellence Awards aim to shine a spotlight on female success stories across the region.

Organisers say the venture will celebrate “women creating impact through business, leadership, innovation and community”.

They add it will feature the North East Woman of Excellence Award among 15 categories spanning areas including founders, leadership and workplaces, public service, mentoring, community impact and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Nominations are now open, with women able to put themselves forward or be nominated by peers.

The awards ceremony will take place at The Biscuit Factory, in Newcastle, on January 28, 2027.

The awards are supported by an advisory board that includes Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie; broadcaster Steph McGovern; Develop North chief executive Michelle Percy; Sage’s Mads Howard; and Northumbrian Water Group’s group people director Elouise Leonard-Cross, alongside senior leaders from Atom bank and the law, finance, science and economic sectors.

Sophie Milliken, founder of the North East Women of Excellence Awards, said: “There are exceptional women doing extraordinary things in every part of the North East, but we are a region that can sometimes be too humble about celebrating success.

“We wanted to create awards with real credibility, where winning means something.

“Most importantly, we want to discover women beyond the usual names and networks.”

The awards are backed by headline partner Newcastle High School for Girls.

Amanda Hardie, head at Newcastle High School for Girls, said: “We believe passionately in empowering girls to be the leaders, trailblazers and world-shapers of the future.

“Supporting the North East Women of Excellence Awards reflects that commitment and celebrates the women who are paving the way for the next generation.”

Founding award partners include Sage; North East BIC; Atom bank; the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority; Castle Peak Group; and RBC Brewin Dolphin.

Entries close on November 15, with finalists set to be announced on December 3.

To submit a nomination or find out more about the awards, visit www.northeastwomenofexcellenceawards.com.

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