NORTHERN Ireland's top businesswomen were celebrated for their outstanding achievements at the 10th running of the Women in Business Awards, which took place at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The event, sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business, brought together female entrepreneurs and businesswomen from all sectors to recognise, reward and celebrate the best in home-grown talent.
The awards attracted a record-breaking 173 submissions and honoured 16 inspiring women and one outstanding business organisation.
And the acclaimed Business Woman of the Year 2022 award went to Staffline Ireland chief executive Tina McKenzie.
As well as a 25-plus career in the recruitment and employment sector, she is also the Honorary Consul to Finland and was recently appointed Chair of Policy for the FSB in the UK, following a successful four years representing and lobbying for businesses in Northern Ireland in her local FSB policy role.
With a body of work spanning 40 years, Women in Business also presented a special lifetime achievement award to broadcaster and presenter Pamela Ballantine, much to the delight of the assembled guests.
Women in Business chief executive Roseann Kelly said: “Over the past 10 years, women have made a hugely significant contribution to the business community here, and it is ceremonies such as these that are crucial to promote positive recognition and to highlight the amazing talents of businesswomen in Northern Ireland.”
Seamus McCorry, regional director for Virgin Media O2 Business in Northern Ireland said: “The success of any business depends on its ability to create a diverse and inclusive workforce, which is why we continue to be proud sponsors of the Women in Business Awards.
“Empowering women and helping them rise into senior manager and leadership positions is vital for a diverse and successful business community as well as the Northern Irish economy. All of tonight’s winners should be incredibly proud of their achievements which will inspire other businesswomen and accelerate the journey towards workplace gender parity.”
Other main Women in Business award winners were:
- Advancing Diversity in the Workplace - Jill Michael, A&L Goodbody (individual) and NIE Networks (organisation)
- Best Customer Service -Aisling Press, Danske Bank UK (individual) and Louise Skeath, SDG (small business).
- Outstanding Mentor - Donna O’Connor, NI Fire & Rescue Service
- Best in Professional Services - Jenny Moore, Danske Bank UK (corporate) and Una O’Duil, Home Instead (small business).
- Best Marketing Campaign - Leigh Osborne, Action Cancer (corporate) and Colette McCartney, Holistic Kidz (small business).
- Best New Start Up – Melanie Dawson, Origin7 Ltd
- Best Small Business - Alison McFadden, Continu
- Outstanding Innovation - Kerry McCloy, Cleaver Fulton Rankin (corporate) and Johanna Scullion, HR Made Easy (small business)
- Excellence in IT – Cathy Hawthorne, Kainos
- Management and Leadership – Barbara McKiernan, Vanrath
- Young Business Woman of the Year – Jenna Hill, CHILL Gas
A special supplement featuring reports from the night and pictures of all the award winners will appear in next Tuesday's Business Insight.
