2027 Awards
Recognising women of excellence across the North East
Enter yourself or nominate someone remarkable. Every category is free to enter, and nominees are invited to complete their own application in their own words.
Free to enter · Up to 3 entries per person · Self-entry and nomination both welcome
Key dates
- Entries open
- 13th September 2026
- Entries close
- 15th November 2026
- Independent judging
- November 2026
- Finalists announced
- 3rd December 2026
- Awards ceremony
- 28th January 2027
Headline Partner
16 categories
Choose the category that fits you best. If we think another category suits your story better, we'll ask you before anything moves.
Founder
Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognising an exceptional founder who has built an outstanding business and is making a significant contribution to the North East economy.
In partnership with
Start-up Founder of the Year
Celebrating a founder who has built a business trading for up to three years and demonstrated exceptional early progress and potential.
In partnership with
Scale-up Founder of the Year
Recognising a founder who has successfully grown a business beyond the start-up phase and is achieving sustained commercial growth.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrating an entrepreneur aged 30 or under who is already making a significant impact through their business.
In partnership with
Innovator of the Year
Recognising a founder whose innovation is creating meaningful change through new ideas, products, services or technology.
In partnership with
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrating a founder using business to create lasting social or environmental impact.
In partnership with
Leadership & Workplace
Emerging Leader of the Year
Recognising an individual demonstrating exceptional potential, influence and impact early in their leadership journey.
Manager of the Year
Celebrating an outstanding manager who inspires others, develops their team and delivers exceptional results.
Director of the Year
Recognising a senior leader whose strategic leadership has delivered significant organisational, commercial or societal impact.
Public Service Leader of the Year
Celebrating an inspirational leader delivering meaningful impact for their organisation, communities or citizens through public service.
Community Impact Award
Recognising a woman creating lasting positive impact in communities across the North East, including through the third sector, her professional role, volunteering or an independent initiative.
Recognition
Mentor of the Year
Recognising an individual who has made a lasting difference through mentoring and supporting the development of others.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award
Celebrating an individual taking meaningful action to challenge barriers and create more inclusive workplaces and opportunities.
In partnership with
Employer of the Year
Recognising an organisation creating an outstanding and inclusive workplace where women can thrive, progress and succeed.
Role Model of the Year
Recognising a woman whose example, generosity and contribution inspire others and who consistently supports and lifts those around her.
The flagship award
North East Woman of Excellence
The highest honour of the North East Women of Excellence Awards, recognising an exceptional woman whose achievements, leadership and impact exemplify excellence and who has made an outstanding contribution to the North East.
In partnership with
How entering works
- 1
Create your account
Sign up with your email address, or use your Google account. Your details are only used for the awards.
- 2
Write your application
Answer the category questions in your own words. Your work saves as you go, so you can come back to it.
- 3
Agree the terms and submit
Before you submit, you'll confirm the Entry Terms & Conditions. We record the version you agreed and when.