Tees Businesswomen Awards 2020 : Results beamed as live on the evening of January 14 , 2021 .
EVENTS
Jane Turner OBE received the Outstanding Contribution award from Tees Business executive editors Martin Walker ( left ) and Dave Allan at the 2019 event .
How awards can shine a light on under-the-radar female leaders
Female business leaders have operated “ under the radar ” for too
long , says Teesside University ’ s former winner Professor Jane Turner OBE – but she believes the Tees Businesswomen Awards are helping to change all that .
For the third year in succession , Teesside University is proud to be sponsoring the Tees Businesswomen Awards .
This year the organisation has chosen the Business of the Year category and is in full support of the event , which will be streamed lived on January 14 .
“ As an organisation , we are an active voice in driving for greater gender balance , diversity and equality in the region ,” said Jane , professor of enterprise and pro-vice chancellor for the university .
“ The Tees Businesswomen Awards shine a significant light on this hugely important agenda , so Teesside University is delighted to once again be a sponsor .”
Jane , who received the Outstanding Contribution Award last year , believes this year ’ s event is possibly more essential than ever .
“ It ’ s vital that we continue to raise the profile and impact of leaders across our region , particularly our female leaders , who have tended to operate under the radar for far too long ,” she said .
“ However , the importance of the awards has become even more evident . Data suggests the situation we currently find ourselves in will have a particularly negative impact upon young women , so there is an ever-greater impetus to collectively champion and drive for brighter futures for the girls and women of our region .
“ We need increased awareness of and access to positive role models , mentors and men and women who value the futures of our young people .”
Resolution Publishing non-executive director Bob Cuffe ( centre ) with Alison and John McGee of Middlesbroughbased Durata , sponsors of the Best Newcomer category in the 2020 Tees Businesswomen Awards .
Businesswomen Awards sponsor proud to celebrate role models
The director of Best Newcomer sponsor Durata believes the Tees Businesswomen Awards can celebrate the way many women run a business alongside raising a family .
Middlesbrough-based Durata is proud to be sponsoring the Best Newcomer category at the virtual event , which will be streamed live on January 14 2021 .
“ We know what a challenge running a business can be ,” said Alison McGee , quality director of the specialist in critical infrastructure needs , which has been trading for seven years .
“ From HR to quality standards , policies and procedures , you have to develop these skills and learn from experiences quickly .
“ That ’ s why we are proud to sponsor the Best Newcomer category , to celebrate women achieving these goals .”
Alison agrees that women in the Tees region ’ s business community are fantastic role models .
“ So many women are not only running successful businesses but in a lot of cases raising families too ,” she said .
“ With all of the uncertainty at the moment , it ’ s wonderful to see so many strong female leaders overcoming adversity and inspiring the business leaders of the future .
“ Durata has a fantastic gender balance within our team . We have some confident women who work hard and juggle family life along with their roles in our business .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 17