Entrepreneurs, promising apprentices and exceptional business leaders were among those recognised at the Enterprising Women Awards 2025.
Delivered by East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women network and sponsored by headline partner Michael Smith Switchgear with music sponsor PPL PRS, the ceremony took place at Leicestershire’s Winstanley House on 26th September.
ITV presenter Emma Jesson once again hosted the ceremony, having done so every year since the Enterprising Women Awards launched over a decade ago.
Awards were presented across 10 categories which included Innovation, Social Commitment and Team of the Year.
Enterprising Women Co-chair Eileen Perry MBE DL said: “An incredible evening – the atmosphere in the room was electric, you could feel the energy and excitement from the moment our wonderful host Emma Jesson took to the stage.
“The finalists this year were outstanding and the winners truly embody everything these awards stand for. It was a night filled with inspiration, celebration and, of course, plenty of glamour. Seeing everyone looking fabulous and enjoying themselves made it a truly unforgettable occasion.”
Enterprising Women co-chair Jean Mountain said: “What a brilliant vibe at our 2025 awards. The support and encouragement shown between the finalists was amazing, and the room was full of positivity. Our host and entertainment made it such fun and it was wonderful to see so many friends, colleagues and new connections come together.
“We were all there to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in business, and the stories we heard on the night were nothing short of inspiring.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Paradigm Wills & Legal Services, was presented to Sandra Wiggins.
With over 40 years of experience across engineering, logistics, hospitality and manufacturing, Sandra spent the last decade scaling innovation-led businesses and championing culture, excellence and transformation in male-dominated sectors.
Speaking afterwards, Sandra said: “The last couple of years have been amazing and a lot of really tough stuff too. But like we do in life, we have to just get up and get on with things. What I do, it’s just what feels right to me. Actually, it comes from being that person that always had to fight, to be heard, to be out there.
“I’ve never had a career. I’ve just got on and done it. Just literally opportunities. Just somebody going ‘do you want to give this a go?’ And I go ‘yeah, I’ll give it a go.’
“In 2023 I stood up at the House of Lords announcing Women on Boards CIC at our launch there. That was one of the proudest moments of my life.”
The Businesswoman of the Year Award – sponsored by headline partner Michael Smith Switchgear – went to Mariam Smith of Datalink Electronics. Speaking afterwards, Mariam was asked for her advice to women starting out in their career. She said: “My advice to women is go for it. Find a mentor, find somebody who will help you along the way because that’s what I did. My previous MD was a very successful woman. She mentored me, she helped me, and then I took over from her when she retired and then bought the the business. So go for it. Anything is possible.”
The Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by Futures Housing Group – went to Hannah Livingstone at Rolls Royce. Speaking afterwards, Hannah said: “There’s a lot of stigma around apprentices and what they do but you don’t make cups of tea all day; you make a massive difference and you gain skills that you wouldn’t necessarily get from traditional educational routes.”
The Developing Leader Award – sponsored Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching went to Nicola Chambers of Dales Fabrications. Speaking afterwards, Nicola said: “I attended the Awards last year and that made me realise that being in that room with all those successful women was just amazing – we don’t celebrate our successes like we should do. It’s just brilliant.”
ITV presenter Emma Jesson, speaking after hosting the ceremony said: “I love the fact that we celebrate the achievements of some of the best and brightest women in business across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Every year at the Enterprising Women Awards there are new innovations, new initiatives and it’s fantastic – it feels that women are leading the charge.
“I love that so many men are getting involved in this ceremony, year on year, because it’s not about alienating men; it’s about being the best we all can be collectively.
“It’s crucial we celebrate every achievement women make – no matter how big or how small, in business or any field of life. We’ve seen turbulent times in business, especially this year, but everybody’s ridden it out supremely and they’ve thrived. That’s testament to our business community and how skilled they are.”
Winners of the Enterprising Women Awards 2025:
Team of the Year Award sponsored by Breedon Consulting
WINNER: CMP Legal
Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Futures Housing Group
WINNER: Hannah Livingstone – Rolls Royce
Developing Leader Award sponsored by Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching
WINNER: Nicola Chambers – Dales Fabrications
Female Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Freeths
WINNER: Emily Cardy – EC Manufacturing Group
The Innovation Award sponsored by Pick Everard
WINNER: Dr Dyneshia Johnson – De Montfort University
Businesswoman of the Year sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear
WINNER: Mariam Smith – Datalink Electronics
Employee of the Year Award sponsored by Cambridge and Counties Bank
WINNER: Alexandra Carr – PPL PRS
Small Business Award sponsored by Unique Windows
WINNER: Trans-Sport.TV
Social Commitment Award sponsored by Generation Next
WINNER: Sarah Thomson – De Montfort University
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Paradigm Wills and Legal Services
WINNER: Sandra Wiggins
