Entries for the 2025 Awards Open on Thursday, 28th November 

In its 13th year, the Women in Business Awards, sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business, will bring together women entrepreneurs and business leaders from all sectors to recognise, reward, and celebrate the very best of local talent at the only ceremony of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Mark your calendar – the Gala Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, 13th March, at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast.

With applications closing on Friday, 24th January, we receive over 250 submissions each year for our independent panel of local judges to award our deserving winners.

With an informative webinar featuring some of last year’s winners to help you create an award-winning entry, an exclusive finalists' lunch at The Rabbit Hotel to connect before the big night, and new promotional media partnership opportunities to be announced, this is the ideal year to take the leap and enter!

Award Categories 2025

2024 Winners

Advancing Diversity | Sponsored by Queen's Business School

  • Individual Winner – Fernanda Soares (Version 1)
  • Organisation Winner – Belfast Harbour

Best Customer Service | Sponsored by The Irish News

  • Corporate Winner – Charlotte O’Kane (Spirit AeroSystems)
  • Small Business Winner – Louise Crothers (R L Services Plant Hire & Training)

Best Green Business | Sponsored by Version 1

  • Corporate Winner – Judy McElroy (NIE Networks)
  • Small Business Winner – Gillian McKee (Giraffe Associates)

Best in Professional Services | Sponsored by IQ & Co

  • Corporate Winner – Micaela Diver (A&L Goodbody)
  • Small Business Winner – Angela Montgomery (Pytilia)

Best Marketing Campaign - Corporate | Sponsored by TP ICAP
Corporate Winner – Sarah Owens (GLL)

Best Marketing Campaign - Small Business | Sponsored by TP ICAP
Small Business Winner – Deborah Loughran (Kings Communication)

Best New Start Up | Sponsored by Go Succeed
Winner – Louise Adams (Cultshe)

Best Small Business | Sponsored by Danske Bank
Winner – Gemma Murphy (Jack Murphy Jewellers)

Excellence in IT | Sponsored by DeloitteWinner
Loraa White (Music Video Marketplace)

Outstanding Apprentice | Sponsored by NIE Networks
Winner – Tammy Dodds (Arup)

Outstanding Innovation | Sponsored by Belfast Harbour
Corporate Winner – Brigid Derry (Derry Bros Shipping & Customs Clearance)

Outstanding Management and Leadership | Sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt
Winner – Lorna McAdoo (Version 1)

Outstanding Mentor | Sponsored by Tarasis Enterprises
Winner – Melanie Thrush (Arup)

Young Businesswoman of the Year | Sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland
Winner – Ashleigh Averell (ibrand)

Award for Business Woman of the Year | Sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business
Winner – Vicky Davies (Danske Bank)

Dates you need to know
  • Closing Date for Award Submissions | 12 noon on Friday 24th January 2025
  • Judging of Applications | Friday 31st January 2025
  • Finalists Announced | TBC
  • Finalists Lunch | Takes place at The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick on Friday 21st February 2025
  • Awards Gala | Thursday 13th March 2025
T&C's

1. Entrants must be based and have an office located in Northern Ireland.

2. Please ensure nominees are available on Thursday 13th March 2025 for the Awards Gala.

3. An application form will need to be completed for each entrant. The information provided will be disclosed only to the judges. Do not send any other documents / supporting materials as these will not be accepted.

4. There will be one winner per category (unless otherwise stated).

5. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into before or after the judging. All decisions regarding the judging process are made by our judging panel.

6. Details provided in the application form will potentially be used, with approval, for press releases and web content if the nominee is placed as a finalist or winner, so please ensure it is factually correct - we will not be liable for inaccuracies published based on nomination content and changes may not be possible after publication.

7. Applications that do not meet the entry criteria will not be accepted.

8. Entrants can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else.

9. Entrants can apply for more than one category but must submit a full application each time i.e. one category per application.

10. Please complete the online entry process by no later than 12 noon on Friday 24th January 2025.

FAQ's

Q: Do finalists get a free ticket?

A: No, as a not-for-profit organisation, your support through ticket purchases helps us continue to provide high-quality services across the network.

Q: Can I attend the Awards event if I don't enter?

A: Yes, the Women in Business Awards is a popular event in the Northern Ireland business community. Tickets are available to purchase for anyone who wishes to attend.

Q: Do I need to be a Women in Business member to enter the awards?

A: No, the awards are open to all women in business, regardless of membership status.

Q: Can I nominate myself?

A: Yes, you can nominate yourself for any of the award categories. Put yourself out there!

Q: Is it possible to submit entries for multiple categories?

A: Yes, you can submit entries for multiple categories. Please ensure each entry meets the specific criteria for the category.

Get in touch with your questions: awards@womeninbusinessni.com