2019
LIFELONG
I N S P I R AT I O N
Sponsored by Stockton-on-Tees
Borough Council
WINNER:
ANN
STONEHOUSE
(ASSIST
WOMEN’S NETWORK)
Ann Stonehouse said the Tees
Businesswomen’s Awards are exactly
what the area needed – but added that
we now need to build on their stunning
success.
For almost two decades Ann has
provided accountancy services to
SMEs from her Coulby Newham base,
while also building a glowing reputation
as an ambassador for enterprise and
entrepreneurship.
Her achievements include winning the
Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion
and founding the Assist Women’s
Network and the Women Support
Women group.
She is currently working voluntarily
with young female entrepreneurs in
schools and universities to promote
STEM subjects and the GENE agenda.
Asked how she felt about the award,
she said: “Shocked. Emotional. Proud.
But I’m surrounded by amazing women
– I’m the one who’s trying to pull the
strings and tell everybody what needs
doing, but everybody else plays a big
part. I don’t do this on my own.
“The two women shortlisted alongside
me, Jane and Sade, who I know very
well, are absolutely amazing people and
I’m honoured to have shared the stage
with them.
“It’s been an incredible night. Last
year’s awards was a bit quieter but this
is just glorious, a grand affair. Now we
need to build on it.”
FINALIST: FINALIST:
Professor
Jane Turner OBE
(Teesside University) Sade Sangowawa
(Cultures)
Jane’s career has been dedicated
to improving the lives of North-East
people, a mission she has pursued with
determination and passion. She has
tirelessly championed gender equality
and built a lasting legacy both within
her own organisations and across many
other businesses through the delivery
of courses, coaching and consultancy.
As pro vice-chancellor for enterprise
and business engagement at Teesside
University she created the Centre for
Professional and Executive Development,
led the DigitalCity initiative and, most
recently, the £22m National Horizons
Centre. Jane is currently living with very
late-stage ovarian cancer and continues
to inspire those around her.
Born in Hammersmith but raised in
Nigeria, Sade studied in the United States
before moving to England. She came
to the North-East in 1994 and suffered
a failed business before studying for an
MBA at Teesside University. Since setting
up Stockton-based Cultures Community
Interest Company 15 years ago to
improve the social, economic and cultural
inclusion of migrants and refugees, Sade
has helped hundreds of people find
employment. Working in partnership
with Jobcentre Plus, local authorities and
other Teesside organisations, Cultures
aims to break down the barriers and
common misunderstandings between
employers and job-seekers from BME
and migrant backgrounds.
SPONSOR’S MESSAGE
Stockton-on-Tees Borough councillor Lisa Evans said:
“Sade Sangowawa, Jane Turner and Ann Stonehouse
were shortlisted for the Lifelong Inspiration Award as
they have all shown a selfless commitment to supporting
and encouraging others whilst achieving successful
careers.
“Ann Stonehouse was selected as the winner in
recognition of the support and encouragement she
has given for many years to women in business. Ann
has built a reputation as an ambassador for enterprise
and entrepreneurship and founded the most successful
women’s network in the North East. She continues to be
active in the business and voluntary communities and is
an exemplary role model to aspiring young people.”