Enterprising Women

ABOUT

What is Enterprising Women?

Eileen Perry and Jean Mountain founded Enterprising Women in 1997 and have co-chaired the network ever since.

Created to celebrate female talent, the network helps women in business build valuable connections and develop their skills both personally and professionally while celebrating female talent in the East Midlands.

Both Eileen and Jean are past Presidents of the East Midlands Chamber and remain active members, with Eileen currently serving on the board.

Nearly thirty years after it was established, with Eileen and Jean at the helm, the network continues to thrive with hundreds of members championing women in business across the region.

Hear from Eileen & Jean, Enterprising Women co-chairs

“Enterprising Women is more than just a network, it’s a thriving community of support, inspiration and ambition. We are proud to champion the success of female professionals and entrepreneurs across the East Midlands. No matter where you are in your career journey, this is your space to connect, grow, and thrive."

Eileen Perry

"Enterprising Women is a space where powerful relationships are built and nurtured, we pride ourselves on collaboration, not competition. For me, it’s about connecting with inspiring women across the East Midlands, a region rich with expertise, innovation, and opportunity. Together, we create a network that uplifts, empowers, and drives real change." Eileen Perry, Managing Director of ER Recruitment and Co-Chair of Enterprising Women

Jean Mountain

"Enterprising Women has always been about opening doors, through our events, inspiring speakers, and expert-led workshops that encourage growth and confidence. I’m passionate about creating spaces where women can come together, share their experiences, and leave feeling empowered to take the next step in their journey." Jean Mountain, Owner of The Dressing Room and Co-Chair of Enterprising Women

Enterprising Women events programme

There are a number of events held throughout the year to support you to collaborate and to grow your networks, develop your knowledge and skills and celebrate female talent across the East Midlands.

All are welcome to attend the Enterprising Women events. Chamber members receive preferential pricing and there are a lots of other benefits to becoming a chamber member.

Our members range from sole traders to international organisations so whether you’re a small business, just starting your own business or work for one of our many major companies in the region, you’ll receive a warm welcome and have the opportunity to make new connections to support your personal and professional development.

Enterprising Women Awards

The awards are designed to celebrate and inspire female talent from across the East Midlands. Launching at the conference in March, there are ten award categories to apply for, from apprentice of the year to an award for innovation. Supported by our sponsors, the process is simple and supportive and receives many applications before the winners are announced at the glitzy ceremony, hosted by BBC weather presenter Emma Jesson.

The 2025 awards ceremony was held on 26 September at Winstanley House, Leicester.

The winners were:

Apprentice of the Year – Hannah Livingstone, Rolls Royce
Team of the Year – CMP Legal
Developing Leader – Nicola Chambers, Dales Fabrications Ltd
Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Emily Cardy, EC Manufacturing Group Ltd
Innovation Award – Dr Dyneshia Johnson, De Montfort University
Employee of the Year – Alexandra Carr, PPL PRS
Social Commitment Award – Sarah Thomson, De Montfort University
Small Business of the Year – Trans-Sport.TV
Businesswoman of the Year – Mariam Smith, Datalink Electronics Ltd.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Sandra Wiggins

Managing Director of Ask the Chameleon

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Our sponsors

We are very grateful to our sponsors who support the network. There are a range of opportunities to support the network from events to awards. If you are interested in supporting the network, please contact Caroline Lucy, Head of Commercial Partnerships Caroline.lucy@emc-dnl.co.uk