Northern Power Women Awards Winners Spotlight Northern Role Models, Innovators, Disruptors and Leaders   

· Largest celebration of gender equality in Europe, now in its eighth year   

· Shining a light on purpose-driven business for good  

· Eleven winners announced showcase individuals and companies transforming communities and industries   

We Are Power, the leading organisation driving gender equality and positive change across the North of England, is proud to announce the winners of its illustrious 2024 Northern Power Women Awards, now in its eighth year.   

The awards are the largest celebration of gender equality in Europe and showcase Northern-based trailblazing organisations and individuals (of all genders) who are exceptional role models and pioneers of positive change. They were presented at a formal ceremony on 18th March 2024 at Manchester Central Convention Complex. The event is sponsored by EY (for the fourth year running), one of the largest professional services networks in the world.  

The event was attended by a host of inspiring role models including Manchester Corinthians Ladies Football Club, a team of rebels who defied the FA ban on women playing football during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s - becoming world superstars and beating the likes of Germany and Juventus.  

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, also attended the awards, where she received a surprise Public Spotlight Award for her dedication to the West Yorkshire region by improving inclusivity and equity through her investment into transport and education and the launch of the Women's Safety Unit. 

Simone Roche, MBE, CEO of We Are Power says: “The truly exceptional line up of 2024 winners demonstrate everything we stand for: gender equality, diversity, business for good and prosperity. They show the enormous impact people can have on their industries and communities.”  

She adds: “The awards grow each year and we’re proud to showcase stand out leadership and incredible role models. Celebrating the power women of the North!”   

Stephen Church, Managing Partner at EY says: “The level of competition this year was truly remarkable. We are incredibly impressed with all the individuals and organisations who were acknowledged and want to congratulate all of the well-deserved winners. We are proud to continue our sponsorship of the Northern Power Women Awards for the fourth consecutive year, continuing our commitment to advancing gender equality in the UK.” 

He adds: “It's important for us at EY to be working with organisations whose values align with our own." 

AWARD WINNERS 2024 NORTHERN POWER WOMEN AWARDS   

WINNER: Agent of Change - Jayne Little, CEO, Skills 4 Limited  

Jayne is the visionary founder of Skills 4 Limited, an award-winning STEM sector diversity and inclusion provider. She has helped more than 10,000 women, with two thirds of them promoted following her course. A transformative force in a male dominated sector!   

skills4training.org (Leeds based)   

COMMENDED: Cat Wildman, Powered by Diversity  

WINNER: One to Watch - Tasnim Khalid, Managing Partner, Private Client Solicitors  

Tasnim saw - and fixed - a problem when she founded Private Client Solicitors, who challenge the traditional law firm model and offer support for female lawyers, particularly those overlooked due to caregiving responsibilities. It has grown rapidly to 20 female employees serving more than 850 clients and generating almost £2 million in turnover.   

https://www.privateclientsolicitors.co.uk/ (Manchester based)   

COMMENDED: Asia Sharif, Natwest and ChainVerse  

WINNER: Person with Purpose - disability advocate Deborah Lawson  

Deborah is an award winning disability equality advocate whose commitment to inclusivity and accessibility has benefitted countless UK individuals. She has helped enhance the accessibility of thousands of buildings, and developed comprehensive training programmes, all while coping with severe disability and chronic pain. A respected voice in policy discussions, she contributes to Government initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and disability awareness.   

https://deborah-lawson.co.uk/ (Cheshire based)  

COMMENDED: Debra Cartlidge, Deaf Village CIC  

WINNER: Disruptor for Good Nicola Wood, CEO of The Wonderful Wig Company  

The Wonderful Wig Company marks a huge shift in help and support for those facing hair loss. Nicola’s personal battle with breast cancer at 36 ignited her fervent mission to address the glaring gaps in hair loss services. The company transcends the role of an NHS-approved supplier to become a source of comfort and support for those undergoing cancer treatment and other hair loss conditions.   

https://wonderfulwigs.co.uk/ (Sunderland based)  

COMMENDED: Laura Earnshaw, myHappyMind  

WINNER: Levelling Up Leader, Alison Dunn - CEO, Citizens Advice Gateshead   

Under Alison’s stewardship, Citizens Advice Gateshead has transformed financially, and in the scope of its impact. From averting financial insolvency to becoming a vibrant, sustainable entity, the charity now supports thousands of households across the North East. Her approach has enhanced employees’ wellbeing and expanded the charity’s accessibility to those in need. Aligning perfectly with the levelling up agenda.   

https://citizensadvicegateshead.org.uk/ (Gateshead)   

WINNER: Micro Organisation, Split Perspectivz CIC  

An organisation dedicated to children’s literacy and creativity, and collaborating with author Jude Lennon, Split Perspectivz CIC creates books, boxes and competitions for schools and communities across Liverpool and Flintshire. They empower a freelance community of creatives, often women balancing caring duties, to work on projects with impact. The company’s mission is to create a fairer, kinder world.   

https://www.splitperspectivz.com/ (Liverpool and Flintshire)  

COMMENDED: STEMAZING  

WINNER: Inclusive Innovation - National Institute for Health and Care Research  

The National Institute for Health and Care Research and its Clinical Research Network (Greater Manchester) are transforming healthcare across the region. Their mission focuses on providing underserved communities with health and care research. Teams take research directly to communities, including GP practices, schools, prisons, and care homes, overcoming barriers such as cultural preconceptions and language.   

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/ (Greater Manchester)  

COMMENDED: DanceSyndrome  

WINNER: Outstanding Entrepreneur - Hayley Roberts,  CEO, Distology  

Hayley founded IT security distributor Distology in 2015. With a background spanning 20 years in blue-chip  businesses, she has grown Distology to 53 employees with a turnover of more than one million. The cyber security solutions provider specialises in disruptive technology. Her inspiring leadership reflects business success, commitment to diversity, education and innovation.   

https://www.distology.com/ (Stockport based)  

COMMENDED: Raina Heverin, SupplyWell and Reculture  

WINNER: Mentor of the Year Jenny Coyle   

Jenny is a dedicated mentor supporting artists and musicians and the leader of Italia Conti BA on Professional Arts Practice. Jenny guides young talent internationally. In 2023 she co-founded Sounds Northern, a company uniting music industry professionals and artists across the North. Last year she secured more than £50k in funding for independent artists.   

https://www.jennycoyle.co.uk/ (Liverpool based)  

COMMENDED: Chloe Fletcher, Founder and CEO of Jobshare Revolution 

WINNER: Small/Medium Enterprise, Square One Law   

A disruptive and progressive law firm with offices in Newcastle upon Tyne, Leeds and Darlington, the company approaches legal services from the perspective of the client, working in a way that puts them first. The focus is on adding value and getting deals done. They don’t sit on the fence! Their mission is to make a difference to their team, their clients, and the regions and economies in which they operate.  

https://www.squareonelaw.com/ (Newcastle, Leeds and Darlington)  

WINNER: Large Business, Northumbrian Water   

Northumbrian Water’s purpose is to care for the essential needs of its communities and environment for generations to come. They supply clean safe drinking water and remove and treat sewage for 2.7 million people in the North East of England. Supplying more than 700 megalitres of water every day, they operate in some of the most deprived areas of England, and lead the water industry in affordability and support for vulnerable customers.   

www.nwl.co.uk (Northumbria)   

Other sponsors of the Northern Power Women Awards are: Say It With Diamonds (after party awards lounge), BT Group (drinks reception sponsor), Saving Grace Events (official events partner) and MSP Global (production partner).  

Category Sponsors are:  

Boohoo Group PLC - Mentor Of The Year   

Stella Insurance - Person With Purpose  

NatWest - Outstanding Entrepreneur  

Connected Places Catapult - Inclusive Innovation   

Barclays - One To Watch  

Bank Of America - Agent Of Change  

Michael Page - Large Organisation  

LJMU - SME  
ASDA Property and Construction - Levelling Up Leader  

GM Business Growth Hub – Micro Organisation  

Game Changer List Sponsors are:  

Bentley Motors – Future List  

Barclays – Advocacy List