We are delighted to announce that POPS and Diane Curry OBE are the recipient of this year’s ‘Social Enterprise of the Year Award’ at the inaugural Downtown in Business ‘Women’s Business Awards’.

City’s Top Female Business Leaders, Professionals & Entrepreneurs Honoured At Gala Lunch   

Manchester’s business community has voted for the best women leaders and women-run businesses in the city in the first annual Women in Business awards organised by Downtown Manchester In Business.

The cream of Manchester’s female business community gathered to hear which of the 78 nominees had won the 14 awards – including Best New Start-Up, Entrepreneur of the Year and Social Enterprise of the Year – at a special gala lunch held earlier today (Thursday 10th July 2014) at the Lowry Hotel.

The full list of winners are:

Best New Start Up: Zoe Holland, Zebra Consulting
Employee of the Year: Jen Smith, JMW
Legal Advisor of the Year: Christine Oxenburgh, Freeths
Financial Advisor of the Year: Sarah Bell – Duff & Phelps
Hospitality & Service Sector Award: Lou Kemp, GG Hospitality
Business Support Award: Laura Harper, Shoosmiths
Best Marketer Award: Sarah Rowley, Baker Tilly
Best Property Professional Award: Rowena Burns, Manchester Science Park
Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Dr Nichola McChrystal, Bioclinics
Female Leader: Angie Robinson, Manchester Central
Business of the Year: Harper Innovations
Entrepreneur of the Year: Carole Kane, BooHoo.com
Social Enterprise of the Year: POPS
A Decade of Excellence in Business: Jennie Johnson, Kids Allowed

Michael Taylor, Chairman of Downtown Manchester In Business said: “These awards, and all the very worthy winners, are helping to break down stereotypes and promote positive female role models within business and enterprise across Manchester and the north west.

“With nearly 80 high quality nominees across 14 categories the voting was very close and everyone shortlisted should be very proud of their achievements. I’ve also no doubt the with the calibre of entrants, and the enthusiasm shown for these inaugural awards by everyone involved, that they will become a regular fixture on Manchester’s business calendar for many years to come.”