Hosted by acclaimed business journalist and broadcaster Penny Haslam, the awards took place at The Royal Armouries, in Leeds on Friday 7^th December, where outstanding, entrepreneurial female business leaders from across the UK competed in a total of 11 categories; including STEM Rising Star, Young Entrepreneur and Start Up.

Each finalist triumphed in their regional heat to make it to the national finals, and were put through their paces on 20^th November at a live session with an expert judging panel, held at the Manchester office of awards headline sponsor HSBC UK.

Lara Oyesanya, UK Counsel and Director, Legal at Klarna Bank AB, was crowned with the top award of Forward Ladies Outstanding Business Woman of the Year 2018, after leaving the judges “amazed and highly inspired” by her “stunning career”.

Jennifer Crawley, head of the Forward Ladies judging panel and Head of Performance, Small Business Banking for HSBC UK, said: “Lara Oyesanya amazed judges with her drive, passion and determination. Lara has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and has made a significant impact in her sector. Alongside this, she has been instrumental to various community programmes advocating the rights of children, driven by her passion to motivate and inspire young women.

“We’re proud to be working with Forward Ladies as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting women in business and this award highlights the exceptionally talented businesswomen we have across the UK. A huge congratulations to all the finalists – they represent the very best in female entrepreneurship and are brilliant examples for the next generation of female leaders.”

The Forward Ladies National Awards & Summit, now in its ninth year, has become one of the most high profile and respected accolades for women, recognising their enormous contribution to the economy and acknowledges start-ups to multi-million pound companies. This year’s high profile speakers included Fiona Daniel – Head of Diversity and Inclusion, HSBC UK; and 2017 Business Woman of the Year, Susanna Lawson of OneFile.

The keynote speaker was Gina Miller, the businesswoman whose legal action forced a parliamentary vote on withdrawal from the EU. Ms Miller is a philanthropist who is best known for successfully challenging the Government over its authority to implement Brexit, winning in both the High Court and Supreme Court.

Her expertise and areas of work cover investments, charities, democracy and political processes; as well as social justice.

Griselda Togobo, Managing Director at Forward Ladies said: “The programme to showcase role models and inspirational leadership is in its ninth year and we are once again delighted to highlight the best women-led businesses and male agents of change, championing diversity in their respective regions.

“Whilst we have clearly made progress over the years, little advancement has been made in bringing diversity to leadership roles. By working together: employers, the government, support networks and the women ourselves, we can bridge the gap quicker – achieving diversity is not an option, it is necessary for our competitiveness as a nation.

“Our regional shortlists are the everyday heroines, trailblazers and role models who have succeeded despite enormous challenges by breaking through barriers.”

The full list of winners from the national finals is as follows:

• Outstanding Business Woman of the Year 2018 – Lara Oyesanya, Klarna BankAB. Lara is currently UK Counsel and Director, Legal at Klarna Bank AB and is an executive director of Plan International UK and Aspiring Solicitors ambassador.
• Emerging Leader of the Year – Charlotte Horobin, EEF. Charlotte Horobin, joined EEF The Manufacturers’ Organisation five years ago, and is now their Regional Director.
• Corporate Leader of the Year – Lara Oyesanya, Klarna Bank AB. Lara Oyesanya is currently UK Counsel and Director, Legal at Klarna Bank AB and is an executive director of Plan International UK and Aspiring Solicitors ambassador.

Highly commended – Rebecca Bryant, Chief Fire Officer, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service

• STEM Rising Star of the Year – Aimi Elias, Sky. Aimi Elias started as a civil engineer. Recently she made a career move into software development and now works for Sky.

Highly commended – Faye Pressly, Vanti.

• STEM Leader of the Year – Suzanne Oliver, Arm Ltd. Suzanne Oliver is the Senior Director of the Patents & Trademarks departments for Arm Ltd, a British technology company.
• International Leader of the Year – Amanda Peffer, Blade & Rose. Amanda Peffer is founder of Blade & Rose, a leading British children’s clothing brand.
• Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Jacqueline Williamson, Kinship Care NI. Jacqueline Williamson is the CEO of the award winning charity Kinship Care NI.

Highly commended – Sarah Crawley, iSE.

• Start Up of the Year – Fran Glover and Carrie Weekes, A Natural Undertaking. Fran Glover and Carrie Weekes founded their Funeral Directors, A Natural Undertaking, to help put the human touch back in to funeral ceremonies.
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Jordana Chin, Nutri2Go. Jordana Chin is a nutritionist-chef, director and founder of health food company Nutri2Go.
• Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Joanne Bass, XL Displays Limited. Joanne Bass is Director of her business, XL Displays Limited.

Highly commended – Faye Jobbins, Tikiboo.

• Public Sector of the Year – Cathy Connolly, Care Merseyside. Cathy Connolly manages first social prescribing organisation Care Merseyside.
• Diversity Champion of the Year – Noor Ali, Morrisons. Noor Ali is the Senior Buying Manager – World Foods at supermarket brand Morrisons.
• Male Agent of Change of the Year – Geoff Mackey, BASF. Geoff Mackey is Sustainable Development & Communications Director, BASF Europe North and is responsible for a service portfolio in Europe North including Sustainable Development, Advocacy & Communications.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dame Stephanie Shirley. Dame Vera Stephanie “Steve” Shirley CH DBE FREng FBCS is a British information technology pioneer, businesswoman and philanthropist.