In 2024, we celebrated the 32nd Anniversary of the Inspiring Women Awards. Over those years we have recognised 100’s of women, giving them a public platform to celebrate their achievements and, in many cases, go on to do even more. The Awards have evolved over the years by introducing new categories and themes, but the heart of the Awards has always stayed the same – giving women a voice. The Inspiring Women Awards will continue to do just that, with public nominations helping us find these extraordinary women and celebrate their achievements
The 33rd Inspiring Women Awards Lunch will take place on Friday 16th May 2025 at The Lowry Hotel, Salford.
About the Inspiring Women Awards 2025 event
“On behalf of Emmelia and I, just wanted to say a massive thank you and congratulations for arranging, running and hosting such a fabulous event. What a turn out 2024 was. The atmosphere was wonderful, guest speakers both interesting and dynamic and the nominees were just so diverse and interesting. It takes a lot to get an event to run smoothly – and wow did you achieve that!” Jacqui Davidson-Slack, 2024 Award Sponsor, Premier Wealth Solutions
So what will you get to enjoy in 2025?
Entertainment
We have heard a rumour that there may be some unexpected guests arriving during the drinks reception to start the celebrations – maybe they will stay for a little while?.
Guest Award Announcers & Emcee
We seem to have developed a theme for this year – Outstanding Women in Print. Sounds like a new category? but it isn’t (yet), instead it describes our esteemed award guests. Claire, Sarah & Maria are all highly successful and influencial women in the publishing world and we are delighted they are joining us to share some insights into their careers. Heading up this trio is our new Emcee and Finalist Interviewer, Cheshire Life Editor, Joanne Goodwin.
A former newspaper editor, Joanne joined the Cheshire Set in 2020 with her appointment as editor of the prestigious county magazine, Cheshire Life. “I have had the most fantastic and fulfilling career in newspapers, magazine and digital platforms to date and the Cheshire Life editorship really is the best of the best.” Joanne will be using all her journalistic skills and experience to bring to life the stories of our finalists.
The Main Event
The main event will, of course, be shining a light on the 15 inspiring Finalists, who will be sharing their own remarkable stories in their own words. Over the past 33 years, the heart of these Awards has always been to give a platform to those women who often take our breath away with their achievements. 2025 will be no exception so be prepared to leave inspired.
The Venue
All of this takes place over arrival drinks and a sumptious 3 course lunch at the Award Winning 5* Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Salford 16th May 2025.
Further Info & Bookings here
Guest Award Announcers
We are very excited to welcome our guest award announcers and Emcee, who are outstanding in their own fields and still proudly based in the North West.
Sarah Lester
Sarah is the editor of the Manchester Evening News, starting her career at the title as a reporter more than 25 years ago before focusing on investigations. The Manchester Evening News (MEN) is now the largest regional news brand in the UK and she is most proud of the campaigning work of the MEN which includes the journalism that led to the creation of Awaab’s Law.
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Clare Mackintosh
Clare Mackintosh is a former police inspector, a Cheshire Life columnist, and the multi-award-winning author of eight bestselling novels. Her books have sold more than three million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages.
Maria Breslin
Maria Breslin became the first woman editor in the Liverpool Echo’s history in July 2020. Maria trained at UCLAN before starting her career on the Reporter weekly newspaper group in Greater Manchester before moving to the Press Association’s Northern Bureau covering Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. A member of the NCTJ’s accreditation board and the Editors’ Code of Practice Committee.
The 2025 categories are:
Community
Recognising those women whose contribution to society make a substantial difference to the lives of others.
Entrepreneur
Recognising those women who take that leap of faith in developing their own businesses.
Inspiring Young Woman
Recognising those young women whose examples serve to inspire our next generation.
(This Award is only open to those aged between 16–25 year olds)
Here Come the Girls
This is a UK wide award that aims to recognise those women or organisations who are challenging systems that don’t work for women, or promote gender informed products, services or act as role models.
Sustainable Award for Women Making an Impact
Recognising those women who are making a a positive impact on all our lives. Whether it’s environmental, digital, educational transformation or through the circular economy or supply chain transparency. The list is not exhaustive.
Women Making Waves
This is a global award aimed at recognising the work of women worldwide. Their work may be involved in community, sustainability, education, business models or acting as role models to our girls and young women.
The 2025 Inspiring Women Awards Lunch
Where:
Manchester, UK
When:
16th May 2025
Click below to book your corporate packages or individual tickets.
“Absolutely delighted that we are once again supporting the Inspiring Women Awards. We are very proud of our relationship with Jacqueline. There are quite a lot of strong links between what we are trying to do as a Business School and The Inspiring Women Awards.”
Professor Chris Pyke, Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise.
