Inspiring women sought for awards

NOMINATIONS are now open for the region’s longest-running awards celebrating women doing great work in all areas of society.

The Inspiring Women Awards have been running for almost 30 years and recognise role models in business and the community in the North West and North Wales who have excelled in their lives and who give others the chance to shine.

Past winners include Olympian and businesswoman Diane Modahl and insurance entrepreneur Carole Nash, and the 2019 winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel in May, which will be broadcast live by BBC Radio Manchester.

People can nominate themselves or others in six award categories:

Business – hnouring women in business whose talents and passion influence and inspire others. Open to firms established for more than five years.

Community – for women whose contribution to society makes a big difference to the lives of others.

Entrepreneur – recognising women who take that leap of faith and develop businesses which benefit the economy. Open to newly established businesses.

Inspiring Young Woman – for young women who inspire the next generation. Open to those aged 16-25.

Here Come The Girls – this new award highlights men, women or organisations who are challenging systems that don’t work for women, promoting female-friendly products or services, or are closing the gender pay gap.

The Manchester Bee Award – recognising women who make Manchester the great city it is. They may have developed projects promoting the city or shown great courage. Open to women who live or work in the city of Manchester.

There will also be a judge’s award with no nominations.

The Constance Award celebrates women who quietly make a difference.

Awards founder Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy said: “One of the reasons why the Inspiring Women Awards have endured for 26 years is the ability of the judges to find role models with an inspiring story to tell.

“Women like Menna Fitzpatrick, a 19-year-old who went on to make history in last year’s Winter Olympics where, with less than 5% vision, she became the most decorated British Paralympian skier, winning four out of the seven British medals, including gold in the slalom.

“I am are sure there will be many more incredible stories to tell about this year’s winners.”

Main sponsor of the 2019 awards is Lancashire Business School at UCLan in Preston, and Dr Rachel Dyer, faculty director of innovation and enterprise, said: “We are proud to be headline sponsors of the Inspiring Women Awards again this year.

“The awards’ ethos has a strong link with the school’s own Enterprising Women’s Group and what they are trying to achieve within the North West region.”

The awards also support the Inspiring Young Women Foundation, set up in 2010, which supports the work of an organisation helping to inspire the next generation.

The recipient of this year’s fundraising will be announced before the awards lunch.

Sky Sports presenter Angela Powers will interview finalists at the ceremony on Friday, May 10.

Nominations are open at www. inspiringawards.co.uk/nominations and the closing date is March 31.

Tickets or corporate packages are available from www.inspiringawards.co.uk.