Celebrating 32 years of The Inspiring Women Awards 

Celebrations were the order of the day at the 5* Lowry Hotel, where the finalists across 6 categories were interviewed by Emcee, Angela Powers. 

Winners were announced by category sponsors and guest award announcers: Grammy nominated illustrator, Stanley Chow, RIXO co-founder, Henrietta Rix and Caroline Roberts-Cherry, BAFTA award winning founder of Saffron Cherry Productions

The event started with a drinks reception where The Diamond Boys provided the entertainment, ending with James’ iconic anthem ‘Sit Down’ as the guests entered the ballroom. They returned to entertain guests during the lunch and at the post event drinks.

In between the finalists’ interviews, guest speaker TLC‘s Liz Taylor rocked the room with laughter, sharing stories from her career planning celebrity events and more recently as host of the podcast series, ‘Events that made me’

Liz was once referred to as ‘the other Liz Taylor’ to which she replied, ‘no, I’m THE Liz Taylor’ and we soon found out why. 

 

“What a turn out 2024 was. The atmosphere was wonderful, guest speakers both interesting and dynamic and the finalists were just so diverse and interesting.” Jacqui Davidson-Slack & Emmelia Powell

Interviews commenced with the International Award: Women making Waves. This award seeks to recognise women’s contribution worldwide in community, sustainability, education or business. Two Finalists joined the event virtually. From India Dr Medha Tadpatrika, an accidental environmentalist who set up a plastic recycling plant after witnessing the death of a deer from ingesting plastic. From America Dr Parul Baranwal, an environmental water engineer working on the removal of dangerous toxins from drinking water. Whilst normally resident in Africa, Caroline Kende-Robb joined the event at the venue. Caroline who has worked closely with Kofi Annan and is a senior Director of Strategy & Operational policies across the World Bank’s portfolio. Three fascinating interviews with women making the world a better place for all.

 

Dr Medha Tadpatrikar, founder of Rudra Environmental Solutions (India) was announced the winner by category sponsor, Jacqui Davidson-Slack from Premier Wealth Solutions.

The Inspiring Young Woman Award was set up in 2010 to mark the Awards’ 18th birthday and inspire our next generation. Award winner, Olivia Clarke, who has already been (GM) Mayor for the day, is a tour de force and already a fantastic role model for young women.

Olivia was given her award by sponsor, Claire Reid from Hall Brown and guest award announcer Stanley Chow.

“I am delighted to have been awarded Young Inspiring Woman 2024. This award isn’t just for me but, its for every young person that has ever been told they can’t do something – yes you can!!.”

The Here come the Girls award, recognising those women or organisations challenging systems that don’t work for women, promoting gender informed products or services, or act as role models, was next up. Gemma Aitchison, who founded Yes Matters, following the murder of her sister Sasha Marden. Eve Canavan, founder of the Perinatal Mental Health partnership who suffered from postpartum psychosis. Representing the campaigning organisation GM4Women, which aims to make Greater Manchester a better and safer place to live for women, were trustees Prof Helen Pankhurst & Claire Pattison. These Finalists silenced the room with their their honest accounts of the experiences that lead to the formation of these campaigns. 

 

The winner, Eve Canavan was announced by Caroline Roberts-Cherry, BAFTA award winning founder of Saffron Cherry Productions and Sophie Simmons on behalf of sponsor Pall Mall Medical.

 

The Entrepreneur Award, recognising women who take that leap of faith and develop businesses which benefit the economy, was announced by Award sponsor Joanne Goodwin, Editor of Cheshire Life. Dr Anita Bhanja is an end of life vet, who runs her practice, Eternal Paws, as a hospice.

 

The Sustainable Award for Women making an impact, sponsored by Deloitte, recognises those women who are making a positive and sustainable impact, whether its environmental, digital or educational transformation or through the circular economy, or supply chain transparency. The Finalists in this category are the epitome of the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Nicole Broad, founder of The Fruit Moth started her business in lockdown and has since collaborated with the world’s third largest retailer, Uniqlo. The Gamechangers, three lecturers in the fashion & textile dept at the University of Manchester, are working with local sportswear suppliers to tackle sports garment waste. Charlotte Knowles, formerly of Greenarc was recognised for her work on sustainability in the construction sector and her local community. Charlotte was unable to attend the awards. 

 

The winner, Nicole Broad, was announced by RIXO co-founder, Henrietta Rix and Emily Hesketh from sponsor, Deloitte. 

 

“I had the most incredible day at the Inspiring Women Awards. To hear so many powerful women telling their stories was a total honour, and to have won the Sustainable Award for Women Making An Impact was the cherry on the cake! The awards are proof that women have a lot more power than society brings them up to believe, so long may they continue!” Nicole Broad

The Community Award, recognises women whose contribution to society make a substantial difference to the lives of others, was the penultimate award with three finalists whose campaigning and thoughtfulness of others was explored during their interviews. Disability advocate Deborah Lawson, whose championing of diversity, equality and inclusion has transformed the lives of disabled people. Founder of ‘No Whispers‘ Karen Livesey, is on a mission to keep our children safe by educating and empower adults to recognise the signs of child exploitation and abuse and how to tackle these problems. Described as a ‘doer’ Kate McCarthy-Booth, owner of McCarthy Recruitment is the force behind the Ukrainian Family Hub in Warrington, a place where those women and children fleeing war can find safety, support and practical help. 

 

The winner, a tearful Karen Livesey was presented with her award by Laura Wells on behalf of sponsor, Lancashire Life

 

The final award, The Constance Award, is one made in honour of the founder’s mother and is made at her discretion. Since its inception in 2018, only three awards have been presented. This year, the Award was presented to Heather Crosby, who has led Deloitte’s sponsorship for over 21 years and has been a core judge and supporter.

Retiring from Deloitte this year, her colleagues made a short VT, which included contributions from friends, colleagues, family and her charities. It was a very (happy) tearful end to a day full of inspiring stories.

What an amazing event! It was excellent, well organised and structured, a lovely balance of presentation, guest speakers and entertainment with an overall warm and welcoming atmosphere.  I loved the humour, the diversity and the venue. Many thanks for this opportunity and to all the judges who voted for me. This is mega! Karen Livesey