- Work Hard
- 18th Sep 2026
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The North East’s first-ever Women of Excellence Awards are officially now open for entries
For the first time ever, the North East has its own independent awards dedicated entirely to women.
The North East Women of Excellence Awards opened for entries and nominations, filling a gap that’s existed in the region for years, there’s never been a programme quite like it before.
A FIRST FOR THE REGION
Until now, there’s been no independent, region-wide awards programme built solely around recognising women, and that’s exactly the gap this has been created to fill.
The North East Women of Excellence Awards celebrate women driving business, leadership, innovation and community right across the region, from County Durham and Newcastle through to Teesside.
There are 15 category awards in total, spanning founders, leadership and workplaces, public service, mentoring, community impact, and equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside wider role models. Sitting above all of them is the flagship North East Woman of Excellence Award, the biggest honour of the night. Women can nominate themselves, or be put forward by someone else.
WHY IT’S NEEDED
Founder Sophie Milliken MBE says the region has always had the talent, just never the platform to properly celebrate it.
“There are exceptional women doing extraordinary things in every part of the North East, but we are a region that can sometimes be too humble about celebrating success. We wanted to create awards with real credibility, where winning means something. Most importantly, we want to discover women beyond the usual names and networks. If someone brilliant has come to mind, nominate her. If you are doing brilliant work yourself, put yourself forward.”
The awards are backed by an Advisory Board of serious regional heavyweights too, including Greggs CEO Roisin Currie CBE, broadcaster Steph McGovern, Develop North CEO Michelle Percy, Sage’s Mads Howard MBE and Northumbrian Water Group’s Dr Elouise Leonard-Cross, alongside senior leaders from Atom Bank, law, finance and science.
BACKED BY THE REGION
Newcastle High School for Girls is on board as Headline Partner, with Amanda Hardie from the school adding her support.
“At Newcastle High School for Girls, we believe passionately in empowering girls to be the leaders, trailblazers and world-shapers of the future. Supporting the North East Women of Excellence Awards reflects that commitment and celebrates the women who are paving the way for the next generation.”.
A handful of other big regional names have also signed on as founding partners, including Sage (Entrepreneur of the Year), The BIC (Start-up Founder of the Year), Atom Bank (Young Entrepreneur of the Year), the North East Strategic Mayoral Authority (Social Entrepreneur of the Year), Castle Peak Group (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award) and RBC Brewin Dolphin (Winners’ Lounge Partner). A limited number of founding partnership spots are still up for grabs.
KEY DATES TO KNOW
Entries and nominations close on Sunday 15th November, with finalists announced on Thursday 3rd December after independent judging.
The big night is on Thursday 28th January 2027 at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle, where finalists, partners and regional leaders will come together to celebrate.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Whether you know a woman doing brilliant work who deserves recognition, or you’re ready to put yourself forward, entries and nominations for the North East’s first women’s awards are open now.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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