Coventry winners among those celebrated for business success

COVENTRY local winners were among those celebrated for business success.

Inspirational people from Coventry and Warwickshire were among those celebrated at the sixth Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards.

The event was held at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam where 400 attendees gathered for the glittering ceremony on Thursday 13th June, hosted by Kirsty Leahy, Karen Jones and ‘Roberto’.

The evening included entertainment from Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and Coventry singer Ruth Kelly.

Notable winners from Warwickshire included BBC radio presenter Trish Adudu, Rugby’s Louise Adkins and Leamington’s Jackie Allan. Sally Bee from Stratford received a special Woman of Courage award.

Trish, from Coventry, has enjoyed a career in television and radio spanning over 30 years, including as an original panelist on ITV’s Loose Women from 1999-2002. She is currently well known for presenting the Weekday Afternoon program on local BBC radio.

She said: “I am very happy and overwhelmed to receive this honour. I have watched Ladies First and their incredible rise in community consciousness and been in

awe at the stories that were represented. With all those fantastic stories, I’m proud to know that Tracey and her team chose my story as one to honor.”

Coventry winners included Amanda Bourne from Tree-v Limited (Sustainable Business Leader); Ann and Andy Hawkins of Franklin & Hawkins Funeral Directors (Family Business of the Year); Becky Patel of Tech She Can (Excellence in Technology and Innovation); and Lily Cook of LPC Sports Therapy & Yoga (Wellness Coach of the Year).

Amanda Bourne highlighted the sustainability efforts at Tree-v, with more than six million miles of balanced vehicle carbon emissions. Meanwhile, Safeena Mohammed and Amanda Burford were named Volunteers of the Year for their contributions to supporting the community and young people.

Tessa Rhodes, who runs Phoenix Business Club in Nuneaton, said: “Through my networking group I am able to provide a safe environment for women to network while watching them grow in confidence and flourish.

“I am privileged to be able to share my own experiences with my network and provide the support they need to enable them to flourish.

“This award confirms to me that my hard work and dedication to this cause is so worth it and I am honored to receive it.”

Richard Gunton of Richard George Tailoring won Business Person of the Year and business partners Robert Singleton and Gavin Leach of Windmill Hill Brewing Company and Tavola were recognized as Business Resilience Person of the Year.

The awards introduced new categories, including Sustainable Business Leader and Inclusivity Leadership.

A special inspirational women award was presented to England’s women’s football team, The Lionesses.

This year also saw the introduction of the Young Futures First Awards, with Angus Baskerville from Stratford winning for his work as a magician and advocate for autism and mental health.

The event, which included an auction and raffle, raised £8,000 for the Giles Brain Tumor Trust.

Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney and Karen Tracey expressed their pride in the success of the event and their gratitude to the sponsors and participants.