The 2025 Women in Business Awards shortlist has been unveiled following another record year for entries.
The gala awards evening, sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business and hosted by Pamela Ballantine, is taking place on Thursday 13 March at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
2025 marks the thirteenth year of the prestigious Women in Business Awards which recognise, reward and celebrate the outstanding achievements and positive impact of women business leaders from all sectors and industries across Northern Ireland.
Announcing this year’s finalists, Women in Business Managing Director Lorraine Acheson said: “For the third consecutive year, we are thrilled to confirm a record number of entries for the Women in Business Awards.
“Our showcase awards ceremony has become a prestigious platform to uncover, share and amplify those women making a positive impact on NI’s business community day in, day out. Indeed, the exceptional high standards left the judging panel with the difficult task of whittling down this list of fantastic finalists, each of whom are deserving of special recognition. The Women in Business team is proud to platform these trailblazers and game-changers for their active contribution and impact on the local economy and wider society.”
“Congratulations to all those shortlisted and we very much look forward to celebrating your achievements on 13th March.”
The seven-strong judging panel was chaired by Lorraine Acheson and comprised Sinead Carville (FinTrU), Anne Clydesdale (Vice Chair of The WiB Group), Stephen McCully (The WiB Group Board member), Nial Borthistle (Glandore), Michelle Lestas (Women in Business Ambassador) along with Claire Aiken, Managing Director of AIKEN.
The following shortlist was confirmed:
Award for Advancing Diversity in the Workplace sponsored by Queen’s Business School
Award for Best Customer Service (Corporate) sponsored by Fibrus
Award for Best Customer Service (Small Business) sponsored by Fibrus
Award for Outstanding Innovation (Corporate) sponsored by Belfast Harbour
Award for Outstanding Innovation (Small Business) sponsored by Belfast Harbour
Award for Best Green Business sponsored by NIE Networks
Award for Outstanding Apprentice sponsored by Graham
Award for Best in Professional Services (Corporate)
Award for Best in Professional Services (Small Business)
Award for Best Small Business sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt
Award for Best Marketing Campaign sponsored by STATSports
Award for Outstanding Management and Leadership sponsored by IQ&Co.
Award for Best New Start Up sponsored by Clarke & Co.
Award for Outstanding Mentor sponsored by Coca-Cola HBC
Award for Excellence in IT (Corporate)
Award for Excellence in IT (Small Business)
Award for Young Business Woman of the Year sponsored by Allstate
In advance of the Awards evening, all finalists will attend their own finalists’ lunch at the Galgorm Hotel, where they’ll hear from last year’s outstanding Woman in Business Vicky Davies, CEO of Danske Bank and 2024 Business Woman of the Year.
They also join the Women in Business Awards Finalist Alumnae of over 300 women which offers them the opportunity to network and engage with like-minded businesswomen, enhancing both personal and professional development.
Sponsors and partners of the 2025 Women in Business Awards include title sponsor Virgin Media O2 Business and digital partner The Digg Podcast, along with category sponsors Allstate, Belfast Harbour, Clarke and Co., Coca-Cola HBC, Creagh Concrete, Fibrus, Graham, Go Succeed, NIE Networks, IQ&Co., STATSports, Queen’s Business School, and Wilson Nesbitt.
2025’s ceremony will take place on Thursday 13 March at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, and guests are encouraged to book their tickets now to avoid disappointment.
For a full list of award categories, entry forms, and to book a ticket for March’s event, visit: womeninbusinessni.com/events/women-in-business-awards-3eee18d06ec1a57b992cb8dc8b16cb66
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