A new independent awards programme dedicated to recognising outstanding women across the North East has officially opened for entries and nominations today (September 14).
The North East Women of Excellence Awards will celebrate women creating impact through business, leadership, innovation and community across the whole of the North East.
The awards are the brainchild of Sophie Milliken MBE, who was included in BusinessCloud’s 2026 Northern Leaders list.
The awards have been created to fill a clear gap in the region, with no other independent North East-wide awards programme dedicated solely to recognising the achievements and contribution of women.
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Entries and nominations are now open across 15 award categories spanning founders, leadership and workplaces, public service, mentoring, community impact, equality, diversity and inclusion, and wider role models.
Alongside these sits the flagship North East Woman of Excellence Award, the highest honour in the programme.
Women can put themselves forward or be nominated by someone else.
Credibility and independence are central to the awards.
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An advisory board of respected regional leaders is helping shape the programme, including Greggs CEO Roisin Currie CBE, broadcaster Steph McGovern, Develop North CEO Michelle Percy, Mads Howard MBE of Sage and Northumbrian Water Group People Director Dr Elouise Leonard-Cross, alongside senior leaders from Atom Bank, law, finance, science and the regional economy.
Sophie Milliken MBE, founder of the North East Women of Excellence Awards, said: “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.”
Newcastle High School for Girls is supporting the awards as headline partner.
Amanda Hardie of Newcastle High School for Girls said: “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.”
Founding partners supporting the awards also include Sage, partner of Entrepreneur of the Year; The BIC, partner of Start-up Founder of the Year; Atom Bank, partner of Young Entrepreneur of the Year; North East Strategic Mayoral Authority, partner of Social Entrepreneur of the Year; Castle Peak Group, partner of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award; and RBC Brewin Dolphin, Winners’ Lounge Partner.
The awards ceremony will take place at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle on January 28, 2027, bringing together finalists, partners and leaders from across the region.
A limited number of founding partnership opportunities remain for organisations that want to support the awards and play a part in recognising exceptional women across the North East.
Entries and nominations close on November 15, with finalists announced on December 3 following independent judging.
To enter, nominate or find out more, visit here