ENTRIES have opened for the 12th running of the Women in Business Awards, with the 2024 ceremony taking place at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday March 7.
The initiative, again sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business and with The Irish News as media partner, celebrates the outstanding achievements of exceptional businesswomen and female leaders in Northern Ireland.
And new to the roll of honour for 2024 will be an‘Outstanding Apprentice’ award, recognising an outstanding woman currently undertaking any type of apprenticeship programme while demonstrating exemplary effort, commitment, and achievement.
Women in Business Group managing director Lorraine Acheson said: “More and more women are shaping the future of business in Northern Ireland every year. These awards showcase the amazing talent of businesswomen so that they may inspire and encourage not just those around them, but the leaders and role models of tomorrow.
“We look forward to championing the talent and dedication of women who have achieved great success over the past 12 months, particularly in our newly introduced apprentice category which will also recognise employers for demonstrating best practice and inspire other businesses to get involved.”
Entries for the awards - which recognise businesswomen from a diverse range of disciplines across 13 categories - close at noon on Monday January 22. For a full list of categories, entry forms ticket bookings, go to www.womeninbusinessni.com/events
Hosted again by long-time Women in Business advocate Pamela Ballantine, the past 11 events have seen winners from a wide range of sectors including media, tourism, technology and the public sector.
Jo Bertram, managing director of business at Virgin Media O2 Business, which is backing the awards for the sixth consecutive year, said: “Recognising brilliant women in business is not just a commitment but a crucial step in supporting, empowering, and championing talented individuals. We look forward to the opportunity to come together and celebrate the inspiring success stories of Northern Ireland’s female leaders.”
A record-breaking 500-plus guests attended 2023’s gala awards dinner, where Deloitte UK’s Jackie Henry was presented with the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year for her game-changing work across people and progress.
Annette McManus, group marketing and communications manager at Irish News parent company IntoMedia, added: “Diversity and inclusion play a significant role in setting the tone of any organisation, and we are delighted to support Women in Business, a growing network that celebrates diverse and talented local female leaders paving the way, and promotes women’s positive contribution to the local economy and society.”
All finalists will join the Women in Business award finalist alumnae of nearly 300 women which offers the opportunity to network and engage with like-minded business women, enhancing both personal and professional development.
