The North East’s Got Talent

Trailblazers from the North East have been shortlisted for the Northern Power Women Awards 2022 sponsored by EY.

With a near two-year gap between the last round of nominations, the North certainly hasn’t disappointed with its triumphant celebration of Northern talent as this year’s awards saw 1400 role models nominated. Whittling down the nominations to just 83 individuals and organisations was a mammoth task for the 72 judges who discussed, debated and ultimately decided who would be put through to the shortlist.

The NPWAwards is never just for one night and throughout the year individuals and organisations are recognised for the true northern grit that they exhibit, whilst cracking on and shifting the dial.

North East representation in the awards has increased by 52% in comparison to previous years, with 20 of the 83 shortlisted representing the region. The charity sector leads the NE nomination charge whilst the Person with Purpose shortlist includes five from the NE, as well as two Large Organisation finalists: Home Group and DXC.

This year also marks the debut of a brand-new award category, the Disruptor for Good Award, created in the memory of the Late Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, the inspirational academic based in Teesside who did so much to promote gender equity in business and beyond. Three of the Disruptor for Good finalists are from the NE, Professor Turner’s home region.

Professor Turner’s husband Jason says: “Jane was naturally disruptive. She faced challenges head-on and never fought harder than for the advancement of others. She was so proud to be a Northern Power Woman and recognising her through the naming of this award will keep her legacy alive.”

Since the first NPWAwards 6,040 individuals and organisations have been nominated, whose achievements and commitment have been celebrated garnering a staggering 126 million impressions across social media. With representation across all northern regions it is the only pan-north celebration.

Alison Kay, Managing Partner for Client Service at EY, UK and Ireland, commented: “A huge congratulations to all the nominees, who are shortlisted for the Northern Power Women Awards 2022. We saw first-hand, throughout the judging process, just how high the calibre of nominations were this year; reaching this shortlist is a huge achievement. EY are very proud to support an event that recognises so many powerful role models from across the North.”

Simone Roche MBE, founder and CEO of Northern Power Women, said “I have once again been wowed by the high calibre of nominations we received and again we are adding to the hall of role models to inspire both current and future generations to use their PoWEr for good and advance gender equality together.”

The winners of the Northern Power Women Awards will be announced on the 21st of March 2022 at a gala awards night and dinner at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. The Power List and Future List will be announced on 8^th February at 11am.