7th October 2026 · Awards
North East’s only independent women’s awards launch to recognise region’s exceptional talent
A new independent awards programme dedicated to recognising outstanding women across the North East was officially opened for entries and nominations on 14th September.
The inaugural North East Women of Excellence Awards will celebrate women creating impact through business, leadership, innovation, and community across the full North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley region.
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.
Entries and nominations are now open across 15 category awards 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 new awards. An Advisory Board of respected regional leaders is helping shape the programme, including senior figures from Greggs, Sage, Northumbrian Water Group, Atom Bank, Develop North, and the North East Strategic Mayoral Authority, alongside broadcaster Steph McGovern and leaders from law, science, finance and business.
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 inaugural programme as Headline Partner. Amanda Hardie of Newcastle High School for Girls commented: “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.”
The awards are also supported by official Media Partners High Life North and LUXE Magazine, who will help take the search for exceptional women to audiences across the region.
The inaugural awards ceremony will take place at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle on 28th January 2027, bringing together finalists, partners, and leaders from across the region.
A limited number of partnership opportunities remain for organisations that want to support the inaugural awards and play a part in recognising exceptional women across the North East.
Entries and nominations close on 15th November, with finalists announced on 3rd December following independent judging. To enter, nominate, or find out more, visit www.northeastwomenofexcellenceawards.com.