Women of the Year sponsors host sold-out ‘Magic of Manchester’ event

As a sponsor of the prestigious Women of the Year (WOTY) Awards 2024, National law firm Freeths has collaborated with headline sponsor Aldermore bank and fellow sponsors LSH Auto & Pertemps to host the first joint networking event in ‘thriving’ Manchester.

Recognising the debut of the iconic WOTY in the region, the sold-out event at New Century celebrated all things Manchester from its rich musical heritage to its incredible sporting successes.

With more than 150 in attendance, the lunch focused on the outstanding female role models across all areas of society and business as well as nurturing the next wave of creative female talent across all sectors. It also marvelled at the city of Manchester’s ‘incredible community spirit’.

This is one of many events set to take place in celebration of the upcoming WOTY awards.

Zalena Vandrewala, WOTY Director and Managing Associate at Freeths, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have hosted this event in my home city of Manchester for the first time and I’m honoured to be a part of an event celebrating the successes of many inspiring women across the UK.

“Each year, I never fail to be amazed and moved by the number of inspirational women who are nominated for the awards and attend the ceremony. I look forward to celebrating the UK’s talented and phenomenal women throughout 2024.”

The keynote speaker was Caroline Roberts-Cherry – a Manchester-born business owner who co-founded the television and film company – Saffron Cherry Productions. She is also the Chair of the Pankhurst Trust, with this year notably marking 50 years of women’s refuge in Manchester.

Other guest speakers included Atul Bansal, Co-Founder of New Century and Founder and Co-Owner of Sheila Bird Studio, Jennie Johnson MBE, Owner and Co-Founder of My First Five Years, Rochelle Carrey, Director of Boujee Boxes and Emma Holt, President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Senior Lecturer at MMU.

A welcome surprise guest also took to the stage! Joanne Roney, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council outlined Manchester’s spectacular growth, commemorating that to its inspirational people.

Lisa Hannah, Group Chief of Staff and Director of Communications at Aldermore Bank, commented: "We are proud to support women in business because they bring fresh perspectives, diverse talents and unwavering determination to the table. By empowering women, we are not only fostering innovation and economic growth, but also creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

"I had an incredible time at the networking event in Manchester, it provided a valuable platform for connecting with so many talented and exceptional women from various industries. Thank you to all WOTY sponsors for hosting an amazing event!"

Tracy Ellam, Operations Director for LSH Auto, continued: “Today’s event provided a wonderful opportunity to meet amazing women with truly inspirational stories. I was struck by how honest and humble the panel and keynote speakers were, despite being hugely successful in their fields.

“Today for me was also about bringing a number of our female colleagues with us, representing our Manchester businesses, from our fleet department, finance and accounting, marketing, front of house and aftersales. It’s about sharing the opportunity so that they can hear those inspirational stories and be inspired and empowered. Since we’ve joined the WOTY community, the team has supported us as much as we’ve supported them.”

Lisa Thurkettle, Managing Director at Pertemps Network Group, added: “WOTY highlights so many inspirational women in the UK and we are proud to continue our support of celebrating their success.”

To find out more about the Women of the Year Awards, book a table or to submit an entry please visit www.womenoftheyear.org.uk.