Awards event is creating a lasting legacy for Tees region
REAL IMPACT
Businesswomen of the Tees region are making a difference on gender equality – and we have the proof to back it up !
When an annual poll – run by Tees Business , the team behind This Is Tees Valley – produced only three women in a top 30 of the region ’ s Most Inspiring Businesspeople , when it was first launched in 2016 , it created a debate .
Those discussions eventually led to the creation of the Tees Businesswomen Awards , which were launched two years later .
In 2023 , that same poll – celebrated with the InspiraTees event – included 16 women in the top 30 .
Kimberley Turner , finance director of games developers Double Eleven , was crowned the sixth Tees Businesswoman of the Year in 2022 before finishing 22nd in the InspiraTees poll as a new entry .
“ One of the things our parents always told us was that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it ,” said Kimberley .
“ So , regardless of how hard things get , whether it ’ s at home or in business , I can do anything if I put my mind to it , I know that .
“ I left school and I didn ’ t want to go to university – I worked in a call centre for five years . I did my messing around with my friends but I knew once I got into the mindset of ‘ I ’ m ready now , I ’ m ready to take that next step ’, that was it . I qualified chartered and made my way in the industry .”
Win - Additional Lengths were the 2022 Company of the Year .
Elaine McLaine-Wood , managing partner of Punch Robson Solicitors , which has sponsored the awards since their inception , said she was keen from the start for the firm to be involved .
“ We sponsored the Small Business award and we ’ ve evolved , sponsoring the bigger awards now – although each and every one is important ,” she added .
“ For me , it ’ s about championing the talent in Teesside and celebrating the profiles of the women that achieve .
“ It puts Teesside on the map so much more than compared to , say , Newcastle ,
Leeds or Manchester .
“ Without the awards , the sun wouldn ’ t have shone on the people who won those awards and that needs to continue – hence why Punch Robson continues to support the awards , which we ’ re pleased to be a part of .”
And Alison McGee , quality director of Durata , said the Tees Businesswomen Awards are a “ fabulous platform for women to shout about what they ’ ve done and be recognised for it .”
She added : “ For people on the outside looking in , it ’ s a great boost for them to see ‘ I CAN do it – other people have so why can ’ t I ?’ It gives them that confidence .
“ The people of Teesside and the women of Teesside are amazing , in that they don ’ t hesitate to help – if you want help , they ’ re there .
“ I ’ ve made so many contacts that have helped me through my journey of learning through this business , just from things like the awards and networking .
“ There are so many fab networking ‘ dos ’ and you meet so many people – you can ’ t top Teesside for that .”
Find out more about the Tees Businesswomen Awards , at teesbusiness . co . uk / teesbizwomen .
To enquire about sponsorship opportunities in 2023 , email info @ resolutionpublishing . co . uk .
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