AWARDS
PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH
Support – pictured( from left), Resolution business administrator Millie Smith, Middlesbrough College vice principal Jessica Barwell, deputy principal Aimey Adamson, vice principal Claire Whitehead, vice principal Sara Marshall, principal Zoe Lewis, vice principal Kelly Parkinson and Resolution business development manager Julie Leonard.
WONDER WOMEN!
College continues landmark awards partnership
Middlesbrough College Group has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to celebrating female achievement across the region by returning as headline sponsor of the Tees Businesswomen Awards for a ninth successive year.
The college has supported the awards since their launch in 2018, helping Tees Business recognise the women whose leadership, innovation and determination are making a significant contribution to the Tees Valley economy.
The Tees Businesswomen Awards have grown into one of the region’ s most anticipated annual events, bringing together hundreds of guests to celebrate outstanding women from businesses and organisations of all sizes and sectors.
They’ ll be delivered for the ninth consecutive year on the evening of November 4 at Hardwick Hall Hotel.
Zoe Lewis CBE DL, CEO and principal of Middlesbrough College, said:“ We’ re incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor of the Tees Businesswomen Awards 2026, having supported this inspiring event since its launch in 2018.
“ Each year, these awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional women driving innovation, growth and positive change across our region, and it’ s a privilege to celebrate their outstanding achievements.
“ At Middlesbrough College Group, championing talent, ambition and opportunity sits at the heart of everything we do.
“ The Tees Businesswomen Awards reflect those values perfectly, recognising female role models who are not only shaping our regional economy but inspiring the next generation of leaders.”
The awards celebrate success across a broad range of categories, recognising established business leaders,
Backing – Middlesbrough College principal Zoe Lewis CBE DL celebrates her involvement in the Tees Businesswomen Awards for a ninth successive year.
entrepreneurs, rising stars and women making an impact within their organisations and communities.
Julie Leonard, business development manager at Resolution Media and Publishing, said the continuing support of Middlesbrough College had played an important part in the event’ s sustained success.
She said:“ To have Middlesbrough College with us as headline sponsor for the ninth year in a row is incredibly special.
“ The college has believed in the awards from the very beginning and shares our passion for recognising the talented and inspiring women who are helping businesses across the Tees Valley to thrive.
“ This is much more than a sponsorship arrangement. It is a genuine partnership built on shared values, and Middlesbrough College’ s commitment has helped us grow the awards into the major regional celebration they are today.”
As one of the Tees Valley’ s largest education and training providers, Middlesbrough College Group works closely with employers across the region to develop the skills needed by businesses now and in the future.
Its continued involvement with the awards also reflects its wider commitment to promoting equality, raising aspirations and creating opportunities for people at every stage of their careers.
Resolution business administrator Millie Smith said the event provided an important platform for sharing stories which might otherwise go unrecognised.
She said:“ Every year, we hear so many brilliant and inspiring stories from women who are achieving incredible things, often while supporting colleagues, mentoring others and making a real difference in their communities.
“ The awards give those women the recognition they deserve and show younger people the range of opportunities available to them across the region.
“ It is fantastic to work with Middlesbrough College once again and to have such a committed headline sponsor supporting the event.”
The ninth Tees Businesswomen Awards will once again showcase the depth and diversity of female talent across the Tees Valley, while providing finalists and winners with a high-profile platform on which to share their achievements.
With Middlesbrough College continuing at the heart of the event, the 2026 awards will build on a partnership that has helped celebrate hundreds of remarkable women since 2018.
As well as Middlesbrough College, the 2026 awards are supported by Punch Robson Solicitors, CF Fertilisers, PD Ports, Moonrise 24hr Recruitment, px Group, Teesside University, Tracerco and Southern Asset Management.
A small number of opportunities are still remaining. To enquire, email julie. leonard @ resolutionpublishing. co. uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 125